The digital economy may get the headlines, but behind every AI breakthrough, electric vehicle, automated warehouse, and data center is a complex physical supply chain making it possible. In this episode of The Buzz, hosts Scott Luton and Karin Bursa welcome Gaurav Singh Chaudhary, founder and editor of Silicon and Steel, to explore the infrastructure, materials, energy, and global trade relationships powering some of today’s biggest transformations. From Walmart’s massive investment in automated fulfillment to dramatic shifts in the Southern timber industry, Scott, Karin, and Gaurav break down the connections between changing consumer demand, automation, trade policy, and supply chain strategy. They examine the potential impact of semiconductor tariffs on AI infrastructure, why nuclear energy’s fuel supply could become a critical bottleneck, and how AI and EV manufacturers are increasingly competing for the same electronics and manufacturing capacity. Along the way, the conversation highlights an important reality: the AI economy isn’t purely digital. Its growth depends on chips, energy, batteries, data centers, manufacturing capacity, logistics networks, and resilient global supply chains. Key Takeaways Speed must be designed into the network. Walmart’s next-generation fulfillment investment demonstrates why companies can’t simply compensate for poor network design with more expensive transportation. Automation is…

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton teams up with special guest host Ward Richmond (Vice Chairman, Colliers) to dig into the state of industrial real estate with Brandon Page. EVP, Head of Leasing & Customer Solutions and Glenn Wylie (Senior Managing Director, East Region at Link Logistics. The conversation frames what a “balanced market” looks like in 2025 (tight small-bay infill vs. more options at bulk) while unpacking the demand stack from e-commerce and nearshoring to data center spillovers and the renewed importance of 3PL flexibility. The group gets practical on bonded warehouses and FTZs (where and why they fit), market dynamics across the Southeast, Texas, and Phoenix, and how power availability and automation readiness are influencing site decisions. You’ll also hear how Link Logistics uses data and AI, from rent-modeling insights to faster decision support across an infill-centric portfolio (with most assets within an hour of dense populations). The throughline: customers want flexibility, optimization, and speed, and the teams that blend relationships with good data will find the next wave of opportunity first. This episode is hosted by Scott Luton, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton.   Additional Links & Resources Check…