What to Expect from Simmons in 2026: Maintaining Momentum and Celebrating Milestones

With both feet now firmly planted in 2026, I believe Simmons Knife & Saw is starting the new year with strong momentum and a clear sense of direction. While the past year set new benchmarks for our business, 2026 is about building on that success and transforming that progress into sustainable, long-term growth while staying true to the principles that have guided Simmons for decades.

Capitalizing on Initiatives

Several of the initiatives we’ve introduced over the past couple of years are still early in their lifecycle, and 2026 will be a pivotal year for bringing those efforts to new heights.

That means taking a more deliberate, coordinated approach to sales and marketing. Early success is encouraging, but meaningful growth doesn’t happen by accident. In 2026, we’ll be investing time and resources into sharpening our go-to-market strategies so we can fully capitalize on the opportunities in front of us.

Expanding Our Global Reach

Expanding internationally remains a key priority as we move forward. With strong prospects developing across the European Union, Latin America, and Asia, 2026 will be about deepening relationships and converting opportunities into long-term partnerships.

This work goes beyond simply entering new regions. It’s about understanding local/regional needs, building trust, and becoming a reliable partner in each market.

Continued Investment in Manufacturing Capabilities

We’re always looking to enhance or streamline our manufacturing processes. However, 2026 will bring more tangible improvements than in years past. We plan to further invest in new machinery and introduce more automation to key manufacturing processes.

Apart from delivering meaningful product improvements, the goal of these investments is to complement our existing workforce, not by replacing them, but by freeing up individuals with unique skillsets to complete more value-added tasks. This should help increase the amount of work Simmons can take on, reduce lead times, and strengthen our ability to support our customers’ evolving needs.

Remaining Nimble in an Uncertain World

The geopolitical landscape will likely remain unpredictable, and pricing pressures are expected to persist as input costs continue to fluctuate. While these factors are largely outside our control, Simmons will remain nimble—focused on adaptability, efficiency, and smart decision-making.

We’ll continue to explore alternative materials, optimize processes, and look for innovative ways to add value to our customers’ operations without compromising the premium quality and superior service that Simmons is known for.

Protecting What Makes Simmons Unique

Even as external labor markets cool, we remain deeply committed to our culture. I truly believe this is a differentiator for us, and we never want to take it for granted.  Our people are our greatest competitive advantage, and 2026 will bring a renewed emphasis on recognizing contributions, reinforcing our values, and ensuring Simmons remains a place where employees know how important they are to Simmons’ success.

Celebrating 80 Years of Simmons Knife & Saw

Apart from everything I previously mentioned, 2026 will be especially meaningful for another reason: Simmons Knife & Saw is celebrating its 80th anniversary.

Reaching this milestone is a testament to four generations of hard work, perseverance, and commitment. But no company achieves longevity like this on its own. Our success is inseparable from the dedication of our employees, the trust of our customers, and the support of our vendors and partners across many industries.

We do plan to celebrate this anniversary properly later in the year. However, in the meantime, I want to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who has played a role in helping Simmons reach this moment. Your contributions have never gone unnoticed, and we hope to continue building this legacy together.

Looking Forward

As we approach the end of January 2026, I can confidently say Simmons is well-positioned to capitalize on last year’s success and energized by the opportunities ahead. We’re proud of where we’ve been, excited about where we’re going, and committed to continuing the work that has sustained this company for 80 years.

Thank you for being part of the journey.

Colin Murphy – President & Owner | Simmons Knife & Saw