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Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Power enclosure maker AVL to establish its first US plant
This story was originally published on Manufacturing Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Manufacturing Dive newsletter. Canada-based AVL Manufacturing has agreed to invest $56 million to establish its first U.S. production facility in Charlotte, North Carolina, to make industrial enclosures for large-scale power generators. The 232,000-square-foot plant, expected to open in September, will create about 300 jobs for the area, according to AVL. Hiring is set to begin in June. AVL's custom enclosures are part of a growing market segment in North America, fueled by the proliferation of data centers to meet surging artificial intelligence demand. Industrial enclosures are often used by technology companies to protect their generator sets — also known as 'gensets' — from weather, dust and other environmental factors. Data centers rely on these enclosures for their backup power. The global genset market was valued at $66.84 billion last year and is projected to cross $130.8 billion by 2037 due to increasing demand for power, according to Research Nester, a market research group based in New York City. The North American market is likely to account for 45% of global revenue in the next 12 years, driven by the huge number of data centers across the continent, according to Research Nester. These data centers, which support cloud computing and internet connectivity, consume roughly 10 times more power than the average American household. Some of the major players in the U.S. market are Schneider Electric, Emerson Electric Co. and Hubbell Inc. Additionally, Switzerland-based ABB recently pledged to invest $120 million in two U.S. manufacturing sites. It has a strong relationship with China, previously landing a contract to make genset enclosures for the country's largest shipping company. AVL, headquartered in Hamilton, Ontario, is expanding into the United States as chipmakers, drug companies and others pledge to expand or relocate their operations domestically in the face of volatile tariffs. 'After considering many markets, we are thrilled that AVL's entrance into the US market is in Charlotte, a vibrant, tech-forward city perfect for us to lay down roots,' AVL President Vince DiCristofaro said in a statement. 'We are excited to tap into this talent pool as we establish our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility and create meaningful careers for the residents of this city.' The company established its AVL USA division as part of the move. It will receive a performance-based grant of $100,000 from the One North Carolina Fund, after creating 122 jobs in the Charlotte area, according to the state's commerce department. The average salary for those jobs will be about $90,000 compared to the average Mecklenburg County wage of $86,830. Recommended Reading Samsung to acquire cooling systems provider FläktGroup to meet data center demand Erreur lors de la récupération des données Connectez-vous pour accéder à votre portefeuille Erreur lors de la récupération des données Erreur lors de la récupération des données Erreur lors de la récupération des données Erreur lors de la récupération des données
Entrepreneur
6 days ago
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Real Estate Crowdfunding: Build Your Portfolio Through Property Investment
You no longer need a fortune to own real estate anymore. With real estate crowdfunding, you can now invest in a fraction of a property – yes, an actual building... This story originally appeared on Due You no longer need a fortune to own real estate anymore. With real estate crowdfunding, you can now invest in a fraction of a property – yes, an actual building – without ever dealing with tenants. Research Nester said the global real estate crowdfunding market was valued at $16.24 billion in 2024. It's only getting bigger with projections suggesting it could surge past $2 trillion by 2037. In 2025 alone, it's expected to reach $22.1 billion, indicating a lot of appetite for this type of investment. When you look at this from an investor's perspective, you see that real estate crowdfunding offers a strong combination of accessibility to smaller investors and diversification that was previously only available to institutional investors. If you want to participate, you should be knowledgeable about this topic, from its benefits to the processes involved. Let's get into the details. How Real Estate Crowdfunding Works Real estate crowdfunding pools capital from multiple investors on a platform to fund real estate deals. These platforms have now digitized the traditional process, allowing you to participate in commercial or residential real estate investments from your laptop or phone. To make it easier, here's how it works: a developer or sponsor identifies a real estate project – maybe a new apartment complex or a commercial building renovation. They list it on a crowdfunding platform, seeking capital. You and dozens (or hundreds) of other investors can contribute a fraction of the funding needed. And in return, you own a slice of the project through equity or debt. Here are some basic good-to-know details for you: Minimal Investment: Most platforms let you start with as little as $100 to $500. So, depending on the low entry barriers, you can get started with a relatively small investment compared to traditional real estate. Expected returns and timeframes: Returns typically range from 8-12% annually, depending on whether you invest in equity (ownership) or debt (loan-based) deals. Equity investments tend to be higher risk, but also carry the potential for property appreciation. On the other hand, debt investments offer lower risk, with fixed interest returns (usually on a shorter time frame). That said, these aren't liquid like stocks – meaning, your money is typically tied up for 3 to 7 years, depending on the project type. Fee structures: Some platforms charge a flat annual management fee (typically 0.85%–1.0%), while others include asset origination or servicing fees in their offerings. However, these fees are not always predictable unless you dig deeper. So, what kind of property can you invest in? There's a variety of options, including: Multifamily Residential: One of the most common options. These properties offer predictable cash flow through rent, often with value-add opportunities. Single-Family Rentals: These are gaining traction in suburban and emerging markets. They are often packaged into portfolios for scale. Commercial Office Buildings: Although more volatile post-pandemic, some urban markets continue to show strong demand and upside potential. Retail Properties: Includes shopping centers and strip malls. While these can be higher-risk, well-located properties can provide steady rental income. Industrial and Warehousing: Thanks to e-commerce, this segment is now booming. Investors are more interested than ever in logistics centers, last-mile delivery hubs, and manufacturing spaces. Self-Storage Facilities: Low operational costs and high demand make this a recession-resilient choice. Medical Offices: Such properties are highly specialized and stable, especially in areas with aging populations. Hospitality: Hotels and resorts have higher returns but carry greater risk and are more sensitive to market cycles. Data Centers: These are a more recent addition. These high-tech properties support cloud infrastructure and have seen massive growth with the digital boom. While these are the most common ones, picking the right property type depends on your investment goals – cash flow, appreciation, timeline, or risk tolerance. That brings us to the next section – how you can get started: Create an Account Go to your chosen platform's website (like Fundrise, RealtyMogul, Crowdstreet) and sign up. You'll fill out basic personal details, complete KYC/AML verification (identity check), and sometimes certify your investor status (accredited or non-accredited). Fund Your Wallet Link a bank account or use a wire transfer. Some platforms let you preload funds, while others deduct directly (from your account) when you confirm an investment. Browse Opportunities You'll find deals with projected returns, holding periods, business plans, and risk ratings. Look into offering circulars or prospectuses to understand the investment structure, specifically the distinction between equity and debt. Make the Investment Once everything looks good, select your amount, sign the electronic documents, and click 'Invest'. Your funds are usually escrowed until the deal is fully subscribed. Track Performance When the deal closes, you can access dashboards with updates on occupancy, renovation progress, and income distributions. You can expect quarterly or semi-annual reports including general updates, rental income, and growth reports. Once you've set everything up, the only thing remaining is for you to wait and cash out on time. Benefits of Real Estate Crowdfunding So, what's in it for you (besides potential returns)? Lower Barriers to Entry With many platforms accepting investments as low as $100, no need to save up $100,000 for a down payment. This makes real estate available to anyone with discipline and a budget. Built-In Diversification You can spread your funds across multiple properties, cities, or countries. So, a single tenant going dark won't cause your whole investment to flop. Passive Income Potential The best part is that you don't have to deal with calls about leaking roofs, but you still receive your share of rental income quarterly or monthly, depending on the platform. Access to Institutional-Grade Assets Through crowdfunding, you can co-invest alongside the big players, whether it's a luxury apartment in Miami or office spaces in Manhattan. Geographic Flexibility If you live in a high-cost area, no problem. You can always invest in lower-cost, high-yield areas elsewhere. It's real estate without regional bias. Risks and Considerations That said, real estate crowdfunding still has some risks involved: Liquidity Constraints This isn't the stock market where you click 'sell.' Many platforms require you to hold the investment for 3 to 7 years. Some may offer secondary markets, but they're not always active. Platform Risk The company you're trusting with your money could fold. So, do your research, such as how long the platform has been around and whether they are transparent about deal performance, among other factors. Regulatory Oversight Since the industry is still evolving, all platforms are yet to be regulated equally. Ensure the one you pick is SEC-compliant or follows your country's regulatory body. Due Diligence is On You Before investing, you must carefully read the offering memorandum, assess the developer's credibility, and understand the asset's location and local market trends. Taxes Can Get Complicated Income may be treated as ordinary income, and you might have to deal with K-1 forms or foreign tax implications depending on your property type. So, consult a tax professional before proceeding. Top Real Estate Crowdfunding Platforms Now, let's say you're ready to dive in. Here are a few leading platforms you can explore: For Non-Accredited Investors (You don't need to be super rich to invest): Fundrise Minimum investment: $10–$500 Strength: User-friendly platform, diversified eREITs, long-term growth focus Groundfloor Minimum investment: $10 Strength: Short-term, high-yield real estate loans, great for debt-focused investors For Accredited Investors Only (Usually requires $1M+ net worth or $200K+ annual income): RealtyMogul Minimum investment: $5,000 Strength: Institutional-grade commercial properties, both REITs and individual deals Crowdstreet Minimum investment: $25,000 Strength: Direct access to individual commercial real estate projects, suitable for accredited investors Getting Started: Strategic Approaches Real estate crowdfunding isn't a 'get-rich-quick' scheme, it's a real investment strategy that requires a well-planned approach. So, if you're serious about it, you need to start by evaluating every deal as if you're buying the entire property. Properly check the sponsor's track record, understand whether you're looking at debt or equity, and find out exactly what drives returns and what could trip them up. Then, diversify. But don't just spread your capital across similar deals. Real diversification involves examining various property types (such as multi-family vs. industrial) and markets (coastal vs. inland). As for risk and reward, instead of getting swayed by glossy returns, ask yourself: How are those returns built? Is it through cash flow or speculative appreciation? If the answer is not clear, approach it carefully. Finally, start with the right amount. Platforms may allow $100 minimums, but real strategy isn't about finding the lowest entry point – it's about smart allocation. So, you must stick to your goals, trust your judgment, and seek expert help when needed. Here are 6 innovative approaches for fractional real estate investing you can follow: Create a Partnership: Pool your resources with others to buy property collectively. You'll typically form an LLC or LP, sharing risk, responsibilities, and rewards with them. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs): Invest in shares of a professionally managed real estate portfolio. REITs offer diversification, liquidity, and steady dividends from rental income and capital gains. Real Estate Syndication: Partner with other investors to fund large-scale projects. Contribute capital while a sponsor manages the deal, offering high returns with minimal involvement on your end. Crowdfunding Platforms: These platforms let you invest in diverse real estate projects, lowering entry costs while expanding your portfolio across regions and property types. Vacation Home Rentals: Unlike timeshares, fractional ownership of vacation properties lets you access a luxury home and retain equity that can be sold or passed down. Real Estate ETFs (exchange-traded funds): Invest in ETFs focusing on REITs. These funds mirror specific indices, offering exposure to real estate markets with high liquidity and solid dividend payouts. Each strategy offers a distinct approach to building a diversified, high-return real estate portfolio. However, you should still reassess your investment goals and risk tolerance before deciding. Future Trends So, where is this all headed? With real estate crowdfunding evolving fast, platforms aren't just digitized middlemen anymore – they're morphing into tech-powered ecosystems. Smarter Tech, Better Access: Dashboards are getting cleaner, smarter, and more actionable. Also, AI-powered tools are helping investors assess risk factors and spot trends faster than ever. Regulatory Growth: With crowdfunding's rapid growth, stronger oversight and investor protections will help build trust and legitimacy. Market Expansion: As platforms scale and more investors join in, you can expect a greater range of offerings – international deals, ESG-focused investments, and even tokenized real estate. Final Thoughts Real estate crowdfunding unlocks an investment path previously closed to the average person. It offers portfolio diversification, passive income, and access to high-quality properties—all with relatively low capital requirements. But it's not without its risks. So read the fine print, stay informed, and invest with intention. And if you're confident in exploring real estate without buying an entire house, real estate crowdfunding is your answer. The post Real Estate Crowdfunding: Build Your Portfolio Through Property Investment appeared first on Due.
Time of India
04-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
India's home nurses are overworked, untrained and undervalued: How to bridge the gap in elderly care
India's booming health system has a significant gap due to the absence of trained home nursing assistants to provide non-medical care. The nation's senior citizen population, which was 138 million in 2021, is projected to reach 194 million by 2031, according to the National Statistical Office. Increasingly, the elderly population is living alone in their homes or is forced to care for themselves as eligible caregivers at home are at work. This demographic shift is fuelling the need for trained caregivers at home. The high incidence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer — responsible for more than 60% of deaths in India among the elderly — has increased the need for continuous assistance at home. In India, many home caregivers work informally, without structured training, leading to inconsistencies in care quality and potential risks to patient safety. Most trained nurses, including myself, frequently receive calls from patient attendants and doctors requesting trained nurses to offer non-medical domiciliary care to patients. Even with higher pay, nurses must not be allowed to work as assistants. India must start a formal certification programme regulated by nursing councils, like in the US, UK, and Australia, to ensure standardised training for patient care. You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai There is a huge shortage of nurses across India. India's nurse-to-population ratio is 1:670, which is far below the WHO-recommended 1:300. Even in states such as Tamil Nadu, there are just two nurses per 1,000 people. Certified home healthcare assistants (CHHAs) must be used to bridge the gap by providing essential home-based care. They are caregivers who provide non-medical support to individuals at home, assisting with daily living activities like personal care, basic health monitoring, and household tasks. They would feed patients food and medicines at the right time, take them for walks, or call families when there is an emergency. Beyond physical help, they offer crucial companionship and emotional support, enabling clients to maintain independence. While not medical professionals, CHHAs are vital for improving quality of life and easing the burden on families. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 3 Reasons to Plug This Into Your Home Today elecTrick - Save upto 80% on Power Bill Learn More Undo The home care market, valued at $6.2 billion in 2020, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 19.2% until 2027, according to Research Nester. India has a surplus of job seekers in healthcare, and the expected growth of the homecare market shows how structured training programmes that align with international standards will help many college dropouts find jobs in India and abroad. Moreover, the increasing integration of technology, including telemedicine and remote monitoring, allows CHHAs to collaborate more effectively with doctors and nurses, enhancing the quality of at-home care. However, these skills come with training. The training and certification of CHHAs in India fall under the purview of the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and the Healthcare Sector Skill Council (HSSC), not the nursing councils. This leads to inconsistencies in training standards and certification processes across the country. Unlike registered nurses, who are subject to stringent licensing requirements, CHHAs in India lack a formal licensing body, affecting the quality of care and limiting professional accountability and opportunities for career advancement. In the USA, Canada, and Australia, class X students undergo training for 120 hours, six months, or a year, respectively. The certificate is given by a state or national body. In these countries, the roles of home healthcare assistants are well-defined, which reduces ambiguity and ensures that both the caregivers and the families they serve have clear expectations. There is also some form of regulation and oversight. Home healthcare services are often integrated into the broader healthcare system, with CHHAs working as part of a team that includes nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals. These countries often provide clearer career pathways for home healthcare aides, allowing them to specialise or advance their skills, which improves job satisfaction and retention. There is an emphasis on providing patient-centred care, which means that CHHAs are trained to focus on the individual needs and preferences of each patient. Bringing CHHA training under state nursing councils could improve patient safety by establishing accountability measures for home caregivers, creating clearer career paths for CHHAs, and aligning India's CHHA training with global standards could open international job opportunities for these healthcare workers. This involves creating national competency-based guidelines and mandating state or national licensing for CHHAs. Integrating this training with state nursing councils — through collaboration between the NSDC and HSSC — would ensure quality control and establish a formal licensing system, like other healthcare professions. Expanding CHHA roles with specialised certifications in areas like dementia care, palliative care, and post-operative support, and formally recognising CHHAs as part of India's healthcare workforce is crucial. Lastly, leveraging technology, such as e-learning, virtual simulation, and AI-driven assessments, can enhance the efficiency of CHHA training. (The writer is a Registrar of the Tamil Nadu Nurses and Midwives Council) Email your feedback with name and address to
