Thailand Economy Grows 1.9% in Q2 2026 Thailand: Thailand’s economy grew 1.9% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2026, exceeding the 1.7% median forecast, according to the National Economic and Social Development Council. On a seasonally adjusted quarterly basis, GDP contracted 0.2%, compared with a forecast 0.6% decline. Growth in the first quarter was revised to 2.8% year-on-year and 0.6% quarter-on-quarter. The agency raised its full-year 2026 growth forecast to 2.0–2.5

Geberit Reports 5.9% Currency-Adjusted Sales Growth in H1 2026 Global: Geberit reported net sales of CHF 1.71 billion (USD 2.16 billion) in the first half of 2026, up 5.9% on a currency-adjusted basis and 2.8% in Swiss francs. EBITDA increased 3.0% to CHF 529 million (USD 668 million), while the EBITDA margin stood at 30.9%. Currency-adjusted sales growth was recorded across most European markets, with Eastern Europe increasing 11.8%, Switzerland 9.7%, Italy 6.9%, Benelux 6.7

Somany Ceramics Approves INR 758 Million Expansion India: Somany Ceramics has approved investments of up to INR 758 million (USD 8.9 million), including INR 588 million (USD 6.9 million) for a 49% stake in a joint venture to establish a glazed vitrified tile plant in South India with annual capacity of 9 million square metres. The company also acquired a 60% stake in Sudha Somany Ceramics for INR 18 million (USD 0.2 million) and completed a scheme to merge three wholly owned

Madison Air Solutions to Acquire EBM-Papst for USD 5.4 Billion US: Madison Air Solutions has agreed to acquire German fan and motor systems manufacturer EBM-Papst for USD 5.4 billion. EBM-Papst, headquartered in Mulfingen, Germany, operates in around 40 countries and is expected to generate approximately USD 2.8 billion in revenue and USD 343 million in adjusted EBITDA in 2026. Madison Air Solutions, founded in 2017, has a portfolio of more than 30 air quality and ventilation

Wren Opens 127th UK Showroom in Canterbury UK: Wren has opened a 10,000 sq ft showroom at Riverside Retail Park in Canterbury, its 127th showroom in the UK. The site has created 14 jobs and includes 31 kitchen and 16 bedroom displays, alongside media walls, home offices, storage solutions and home bars. The showroom also features 12 virtual reality suites that allow customers to view and interact with proposed room layouts before placing orders. The new location expands Wren'

MHK UK Adds Beckermann Küchen to Supplier Network UK: MHK UK has added Beckermann Küchen to its supplier network, which includes more than 75 brands covering kitchen and bathroom furniture, appliances, components and other home products. The partnership will provide MHK members with access to Beckermann's kitchen furniture under the group's purchasing arrangements, while also supporting applications beyond kitchens, including bathrooms, offices and living spaces. Founded in 1

Voltas Partners with Atomberg to Set Up AC Compressor Manufacturing Unit India: Voltas Ltd has signed a binding term sheet with Atomberg Innovation Ltd to establish a joint venture for the manufacture of high-efficiency compressors and related components for room air conditioners. The proposed facility will be located in Chennai, adjacent to Voltas’ existing air conditioner plant, with an initial capacity of around 2.8 million units. Voltas is expected to act as the anchor cu

Italy AC Market Shows Mixed Trends in First Half of 2026 Italy: Italy’s air conditioning market recorded a slight decline in the first half of 2026, with turnover reaching EUR 1,790 million (USD 1,950 million), reflecting a marginal contraction compared to the same period in 2025. Sales of mono and multi-split air conditioners declined in both volume and value, with monosplit units falling by 9.8% in volume and 7.8% in value, while multi-split systems declined by 5.5% in volu

RBM Enters US Market Through Messana Acquisition USA: RBM Group has entered the United States market through the acquisition of Messana Inc., which has been renamed RBM More Inc. The transaction establishes the company’s direct presence in North America and forms part of its international expansion. Messana, based in the United States, is involved in the design and supply of hydronic radiant systems for heating and cooling, including radiant ceiling solutions and HVAC control

Chinese AC Exports Gain Momentum in Europe Amid Heatwave Demand China/Europe: Chinese manufacturers have increased air conditioner shipments to Europe, supported by rising demand during recent heatwaves. Midea Group reported shipments of 200,000 portable air conditioning units in the first half of 2026, compared with total shipments for the whole of 2025. The company also recorded 160,000 new orders for its PortaSplit model from June onwards, with supply constraints reported

Duravit Appoints New President for Americas Operations Americas - Duravit has appointed Oliver Bleich as President of its Americas operations, effective 1 August 2026. He succeeds Bob Downie, whose tenure concluded in July 2026. The appointment forms part of the company’s plans to expand its activities in the region and strengthen its presence across residential and project segments. Bleich has held roles at Dornbracht, SieMatic and Keuco, and most recently served as Executiv

South Korea Expands Housing Supply Plan to Address Price Pressures South Korea: The government has announced plans to supply more than 230,000 additional homes in the Seoul Metropolitan Area as part of measures to address high housing prices. The initiative includes accelerating development on public land, utilising underused sites and supporting private sector projects. Around 100,000 homes will be developed through newly designated public housing districts, including projec