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

Greece Adds 6,000 Households to Water Heater Replacement Programme Greece: Greece’s Ministry of Environment and Energy has approved an additional 6,000 households under its “I Change Water Heater” programme, taking the total number of accepted applications to more than 146,000. The latest approvals are supported by additional public funding exceeding EUR 21.5 million to help households replace old water heating systems with more energy-efficient equipment. The programme aims

Bosch to Launch Premium Air Conditioners in India, Plans EUR 80 Million Investment India: Bosch Home Comfort Group plans to launch Bosch-branded air conditioners in India in 2027, targeting a strong double-digit market share within two years and aiming to become one of the country’s top five cooling and comfort brands. Following its acquisition of Johnson Controls-Hitachi’s global residential and light-commercial AC business in August 2025, the company will position Bosch in

Illinois Allocates USD 156 Million To Affordable Housing USA: Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) have announced an investment of USD 156 million (approximately EUR 134 million) under the Building Up Illinois Developments (BUILD) plan. The funding will support programmes aimed at increasing housing supply and improving access to home ownership, including forgivable assistance for down payments and closing costs, as well as low-i

Stiebel Eltron To Increase Stake In Ochsner To 50% Austria / Germany: Stiebel Eltron International plans to increase its shareholding in Austrian heat pump manufacturer Ochsner from 35% to 50%, following a notification submitted to the Austrian Federal Competition Authority on 16 October 2026. The two family-owned companies have maintained a partnership in the heat pump sector since 2013, including a joint venture focused on large-scale heat pumps. The proposed increase in ow

Johnson Controls Reports 10% Sales Growth in Q4 2026 Ireland: Johnson Controls reported a 10% year-on-year increase in sales to USD 7.1 billion (EUR 6.1 billion) in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026, while organic sales rose by 12%. Net income from continuing operations reached USD 967 million (EUR 831 million), compared with USD 267 million (EUR 229 million) in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. Quarterly orders increased by 44% organically, while the company’s

Carrier Reports 12% Revenue Growth in Third Quarter USA: Carrier Global Corporation reported third-quarter 2026 net sales of USD 6.26 billion (EUR 5.38 billion), an increase of 12% year on year, while organic sales grew by 15%. Total orders increased by approximately 35%, with Commercial HVAC orders rising by around 60% and data centre orders by approximately 300%. The company’s backlog exceeded USD 8.5 billion (EUR 7.30 billion), representing a 60% increase compared with the

UK Budget Sets Out Measures for Housing and High Streets UK: The UK Budget has introduced measures covering housing, business rates, planning and energy costs. These include a new ISA product for first-time buyers, an increase in the Small Business Rate Relief threshold from GBP 12,000 (EUR 13,800) to GBP 18,000 (EUR 20,600), and a freeze on business rates for leisure, retail and hospitality businesses. The Government has also published its Hope on the High Street strategy to

Bangladesh Pursues Trade Deals Ahead of LDC Graduation Bangladesh: Bangladesh is pursuing free trade agreements (FTAs) and comprehensive economic partnership agreements (CEPAs) with 10 countries and economic blocs ahead of its scheduled graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status on 24 November 2026. The government has completed 38 feasibility studies and is negotiating with markets including the European Union, Singapore, Malaysia, New Zealand, Türkiye, Nepal, Canad

Trane Technologies Raises 2026 Revenue Guidance After Third-Quarter Growth Ireland: Trane Technologies reported third-quarter 2026 revenue of USD 6.76 billion (EUR 5.81 billion), an increase of 18% compared with the same period in 2025, while organic revenue grew by 16%. Bookings rose by 21% to USD 7.25 billion (EUR 6.24 billion), and the company’s order backlog increased by 73% to USD 12.5 billion (EUR 10.75 billion). Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations sto

Praktiker Begins Rebranding Stores as Dedeman in Greece Europe: Praktiker Hellas has begun rebranding its stores in Greece under the Dedeman name, following its acquisition by Romanian investment group Paval Holding in 2025. The transition begins with the Tavros store on Pireos Street, where renovation work is taking place, and will extend to the remaining 16 stores in phases. The rebranding marks the end of Praktiker's 35-year presence under its existing name in Greece. The

European Ceramic Industry Seeks Changes to CO₂ Allowance Rules Europe: Spain's ceramic industry has raised concerns over a proposed reduction in free carbon dioxide (CO₂) allowances for the 2026–2030 period. The proposed 34% reduction could result in ceramic manufacturers in Castellón facing additional annual costs exceeding EUR 100 million (approximately USD 116 million). Industry association Ascer has led a year-long lobbying campaign, working with Italian industry represen

Byggmax Reports Sales Growth and Improvement in Profit Margins Europe: Nordic home improvement retailer Byggmax Group has reported growth in sales and profitability, supported by increased customer visits, higher spending per transaction and improved sales volumes. According to its financial results released on 20 October 2026, the company's net sales increased by 7.1% to USD 210.5 million, compared with USD 196.5 million during the corresponding period in 2025. Its EBITA mar

A. O. Smith to Sell Majority Stake in China Business China: A. O. Smith has entered into definitive agreements with China-based alternative asset manager CPE for the sale of an approximately 81% stake in its China business. Announced on 27 October 2026, the transaction values the business at approximately USD 400 million on a cash-free, debt-free basis. A. O. Smith will retain a 19% minority interest and continue to license its brand in China under a long-term agreement. Comp

Indonesia Considers Halting Natural Gas Exports to Prioritise Domestic Demand Indonesia: Indonesia's government is considering halting natural gas exports to neighbouring countries to prioritise domestic demand amid concerns over supply constraints and high domestic gas prices. Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said the proposal reflects the need to address domestic requirements before supplying international markets. The proposal has received support fro

Nigeria's air-conditioning market is undergoing a structural shift from dependence on imported finished units towards increasing local assembly. International brands are increasingly importing components and completing production domestically, supported by Nigeria's large consumer base, rapid urbanisation and growing cooling demand. The transition is gradually transforming Nigeria from a destination for imported cooling products into an emerging manufacturing and assembly bas

AC VIETNAM: Panasonic Corporation has initiated pilot projects in Vietnam and the Philippines to collect used air conditioners and explore opportunities for recycling and refurbishment. Scheduled to run from October 2026 to March 2027, the initiatives aim to develop collection systems through retail networks and assess the feasibility of recovering materials for reuse in Panasonic products. The company plans to collect 500–1,000 used air conditioners in each country, includin

Heat pump UK: Households across the UK can access interest-free or low-interest loans under the government-backed Warm Home Loans scheme to finance energy-efficient home upgrades, including heat pumps, solar panels and battery storage systems. The initiative aims to help households reduce energy bills without facing substantial upfront costs, potentially saving hundreds of pounds annually. Launched on Tuesday, the scheme offers loans ranging from £7,500 to £35,000, making lo

Energy Efficiency HUNGARY: Hungary is preparing a multi-year programme to improve the energy efficiency of single-family homes and condominiums under its 2027 budget. The country’s Ministry of Economy and Energy has proposed a HUF 600 billion ($1.83 billion) funding package to support renovations in 15,000 single-family homes and 15,000 condominiums annually, with the aim of benefiting up to 120,000 families by the end of the decade. The proposed scheme would provide non-rep

Sink UK: British sink manufacturer Shaws of Darwen has announced its complete withdrawal from the UK market and will stop accepting new orders from November 1. The decision follows the company’s recent announcement of substantial price increases of up to 300%. The company plans to cease manufacturing at its UK facility by the end of June 2027. Shaws will accept orders from UK and EU customers only until October 31. Consequently, the previously announced price increases sched