Systemair Secures First Order for R290-Based Air Handling Units with Integrated Heat Pumps Sweden: Systemair has secured its first order for Geniox HP DFN air handling units featuring R290, a natural refrigerant, for a project in Barkarbystaden, Stockholm, Sweden. Announced on 4 November 2026, the order forms part of a larger agreement with E&E Ventilation and includes Geniox HP DFN units with R290, Geniox Go HP units, smoke extract fans and duct fans. Launched in summer 2026

Hong Kong Economy Grows 5.2% in Q3 2026, Supported by Strong Exports and Domestic Demand China: Hong Kong's economy grew by 5.2% year-on-year in the third quarter of 2026, marking its 15th consecutive quarter of growth and exceeding economists' average forecast of 3.6%. Growth accelerated from 4.2% in Q2 but remained below the 5.9% recorded in Q1. On a seasonally adjusted quarterly basis, GDP increased by 1.9%. Total goods exports rose by 30.4%, compared with 28.9% in Q2, whi

France Prematurely Ends CEE Subsidies for Individual Solar Thermal System France: The French government has prematurely ended the CEE support scheme for individual solar thermal systems by removing the BAR-TH-168 measure from the list of eligible activities. The decree, dated 28 October 2026, was published in the Official Journal on 3 November 2026. The scheme previously supported solar thermal installations in existing single-family homes for domestic hot water (DHW) produc

Hong Kong Economy Beats Growth Forecasts HONG KONG: Hong Kong's economy expanded by 5.2% year-on-year in Q3 2026, accelerating from 4.2% growth in Q2 and exceeding economists' expectations of 3.6%, according to official advance estimates reported by Reuters. Growth was supported by a 30.4% increase in goods exports, alongside continued domestic demand. Private consumption rose by 2.8% during the quarter, while GDP increased by 1.9% quarter-on-quarter. For the first three quar

Geberit Reports 5.7% Sales Growth SWITZERLAND: Geberit Group reported a 5.7% increase in currency-adjusted net sales to US$ 3.1 billion (CHF 2.54 billion) in the first nine months of 2026, driven by higher sales volumes and improved demand across most regions. Growth was particularly strong in the Middle East and Africa (+20.4%) and Far East/Pacific (+9.4%). Sales increased across all three product areas, led by Installation and Flushing Systems (+6.2%). EBITDA rose by 3.3% t

JOMOO Enters Japanese Market with First Smart Bathroom Showroom in Tokyo JAPAN: Chinese smart bathroom brand JOMOO entered the Japanese market with the opening of its first showroom in Tokyo on 13 October 2026, marking another step in its international expansion. The company, ranked first globally in smart toilet sales volume in 2024 by Frost & Sullivan, established a Japanese R&D centre in October 2024 and developed its X40 smart toilet series to suit local housing condition

Kesko Completes Acquisition of Brødrene Dahl Businesses NORDIC: Finnish trading group Kesko has completed its acquisition of Brødrene Dahl in Denmark and Norway and Dahl in Sweden from Saint-Gobain for approximately US$ 1.4 billion (€1.2 billion), excluding lease obligations. The three wholesale businesses generated combined revenue of US$ 2.4 billion (€2.1 billion) in 2025. In Denmark, Brødrene Dahl will retain its existing name, organisation and day-to-day operations, with

Egypt’s development of new cities is creating opportunities for district cooling, bringing centralised air-conditioning infrastructure into the planning of major commercial and urban developments. The New Administrative Capital is a prominent example. Its district cooling plant has a reported initial capacity of 64,000 refrigeration tons, with plans to expand to 300,000 tons over five years, according to the Administrative Capital for Urban Development (ACUD), the company res

Indian Ceramic Manufacturers Explore Business Opportunities in Argentina India: A delegation of Indian ceramic manufacturers and exporters participated in a business event in Buenos Aires on 20 October 2026 to explore trade and cooperation opportunities with Argentine companies. The event brought together Indian manufacturers, importers, distributors and local business representatives. Activities included business-to-business meetings and product presentations covering porcel

Kajaria Ceramics Announces Capacity Expansions and Interim Dividend India: Kajaria Ceramics Limited's Board of Directors approved the company's unaudited financial results for the quarter and half-year ended 30 September 2026 at a meeting concluded on 24 October 2026. The board also declared an interim dividend of INR 12 per equity share (approximately USD 0.14), with 29 October 2026 set as the record date for determining shareholder eligibility. Dividend payments are expecte

Megius Completes Acquisition of Albatros Brand Italy: Italian company Megius has completed its acquisition of the Albatros brand, which operates in whirlpool baths, mini-pools and wellness systems. Megius operates in the shower, sauna and hammam segments. The transaction forms part of Megius's development strategy and combines its shower product portfolio with Albatros's activities in home wellness and hospitality. The integration is intended to expand the range of bathroom a

A. O. Smith Reports Mixed Third-Quarter Performance Amid Weak Water Heater Demand USA: A. O. Smith Corporation reported sales of US$940.5 million in Q3 2026, remaining largely unchanged year-on-year, while net earnings declined to US$126.3 million from US$132 million. North American sales increased by 3%, supported by boiler demand, pricing adjustments and the Leonard Valve acquisition, although lower residential water heater volumes weighed on performance. Sales in the Rest

TOTO Reports Strong First-Half Profit Growth but Lowers Full-Year Sales Forecast JAPAN: TOTO reported a significant improvement in profitability during the first half of fiscal 2026, with attributable profit more than doubling to JPY 21.3 billion (~US$142 million) from JPY 8.79 billion (~US$58.6 million) a year earlier. Net sales for the six months ended September 30 increased to JPY 364.7 billion (~US$2.43 billion), compared with JPY 349.4 billion (~US$2.33 billion) in the p

Kenya Invites Bids for 10-Year Sanitary Ware Supply Contract Under Affordable Housing Programme KENYA: Kenya’s State Department for Housing has invited companies to tender for the supply, installation and maintenance of sanitary ware across affordable housing projects nationwide. The proposed framework agreement will run for up to 10 years, with three to five suppliers expected to be selected. The contract covers toilet bowls, washbasins and other bathroom equipment, with app

Portugal Plans €300 Million Financing Initiative to Boost Housing Construction PORTUGAL: The Portuguese Government is negotiating a financing arrangement with the European Investment Bank (EIB) to support municipalities in preparing land for residential construction. An initial €300 million (~US$336 million) credit facility has been agreed to finance essential infrastructure, including roads, water supply and drainage systems. The initiative aims to address land shortages and

Kenya Revises Excise Duty Structure to Reduce Imported Ceramic Tile Costs KENYA: Kenya has introduced changes to its excise duty regime under the Tax Laws (Amendment) Act, 2026, replacing weight-based taxation on imported ceramic tiles with a surface-area-based charge. Effective October 14, the revised duty is set at KSh 400 (~US$3.10) per sq m or 5% of the excisable value, whichever is higher. The legislation also reduces excise duty on imported ceramic sanitary ware, includ

Blue Star Reports Strong Quarterly Profit Growth on Robust Air Conditioner Demand INDIA: Indian air conditioning manufacturer Blue Star reported a 25% year-on-year increase in consolidated net profit to ₹1.24 billion (~US$13 million) in Q2 FY2027, supported by extended summer conditions and stronger room AC demand. Revenue from operations rose 21% to ₹29.31 billion (~US$308 million). The unitary products business recorded 29.4% growth, while the electro-mechanical projects an

Croatia’s Construction Costs Rise Twice as Fast as EU Average CROATIA: Construction costs in Croatia have increased by 64% since 2020, significantly outpacing the 31% rise across the EU and 44% in Germany. Despite remaining relatively affordable, residential construction costs have reached approximately €2,400 (US$2,686) per sq m. Rising labour expenses, dependence on foreign workers, higher commercial margins and lengthy administrative procedures are contributing to the incr

Samsung Electronics Announces Third Quarter 2026 Results SOUTH KOREA: Samsung Electronics reported record consolidated revenue of KRW 195.3 trillion (~US$145.8 billion) in Q3 2026, up 14% quarter-on-quarter, while operating profit reached KRW 107.4 trillion (~US$80.2 billion), marking a historic milestone for the company. Growth was primarily driven by strong semiconductor demand, particularly memory products supporting artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure. The Device

Viessmann Appoints Conrad Wiedeler to Lead German Sales and Service Germany: Viessmann Climate Solutions has appointed Dr Conrad Wiedeler to take responsibility for its sales and service operations in Germany, effective immediately. The appointment follows the planned departure of Dr Frank Voßloh, Managing Director of Viessmann Deutschland GmbH and a member of the Carrier Climate Solutions Europe leadership team, on 31 October 2026. Voßloh has held leadership positions at Vie

HomePro Reports Stable Third-Quarter Performance Thailand: Thai DIY chain HomePro reported stable third-quarter performance, with retail turnover rising 0.66% year-on-year to THB 15.726 billion (US$482 million). However, sales for January–September 2026 declined 1.76% to THB 48.688 billion (US$1.49 billion) compared with the first three quarters of 2025. The company attributed the third-quarter increase to new stores opened since Q4 2025. As of the reporting date, HomePro ope

California Tribes Receive US$60.5 Million for Housing and Climate Projects US: California tribes will receive US$60.5 million in state grants for housing and climate projects, with US$52 million awarded to 19 tribal recipients through the Tribal Pre-Development Housing Fund to support projects expected to lead to 900 new homes. The California Strategic Growth Council approved the awards on October 28 for 40 projects representing 36 tribes, including nearly US$3 million for th

Asian Granito India Elevates Parthiv Dave to Chief Operating Officer India: Asian Granito India Ltd. has elevated Parthiv Dave to Chief Operating Officer (COO), expanding his responsibilities after nearly three years as COO – AGL Bathware. Dave brings more than 35 years of experience across operations, sales and marketing, strategic management and organisational leadership, including nearly eight years as Managing Director of SIAMP India and previous leadership roles at CERA

EHPA Calls for Heat Pumps to be Prioritised in Horizon Europe Europe: The European Heat Pump Association (EHPA) is calling for heat pumps to be included as a dedicated European Partnership and priority area in the EU’s €175 billion Horizon Europe research and innovation programme for 2028–2034. The association says long-term, predictable funding would support research into efficiency, new refrigerants, lower costs, grid integration and high-temperature industrial applications