Hansgrohe Expands Wash Portfolio in India with Launch of Avalegra India: Hansgrohe has expanded its Wash portfolio in India with the launch of Avalegra in Mumbai, showcased at its channel partner outlet C B Xclusive, as part of its strategy to strengthen its consumer-facing retail presence and premium positioning. Avalegra introduces an integrated Washplace concept that combines the wash basin and faucet into a single solution, featuring a parabolic spray integrated into the

Sandro Bonomi Appointed President of CEIR to Strengthen European Taps and Valves Industry Europe: Sandro Bonomi has been appointed President of CEIR-Taps & Valves Europe at the CEIR Congress 2026, held in Brussels, Belgium, from 8–10 June, with a mandate to strengthen the federation’s role in the European political and industrial landscape. Bonomi, who also serves as President of AVR-Italian Association of Valve and Faucet Manufacturers, represents an industry that recorded U

Taiwanese Ceramics Manufacturers HCG Enters Defense Market With Advanced Drone Materials TAIWAN: Taiwanese bathroom ceramics manufacturer Hocheng Corp. (HCG) is expanding beyond its traditional sanitary ware business into defense by leveraging its expertise in advanced ceramics. The company has developed lightweight ceramic-carbon fiber composite materials for drones, unmanned surface vessels, and armored vehicle protection, with products verified for defense use by Taiwan’s

Sloan Acquires Controlling Stake in Essel Bath Fittings India: Sloan, a plumbing systems manufacturer based in Illinois, has acquired a controlling stake in Essel Bath Fittings as part of its expansion strategy in India's bath fittings market. The companies did not disclose the financial terms of the transaction. Sloan stated that the investment supports its strategy in India by expanding its local manufacturing footprint and strengthening its presence through Essel Bath Fitt

Store UK: VitrA has announced the launch of five new Experience Centres across the UK in 2026, reinforcing its commitment to expanding its retail footprint and strengthening partnerships with independent retailers. The first showroom, located at AS Fenner in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, opened on 29 June and showcases VitrA's comprehensive portfolio in lifestyle bathroom settings, allowing customers to experience its latest collections and design-led solutions firsthand. The r

Bathroom SPAIN: Ballingslöv International has acquired KBV, one of Spain’s leading manufacturers of kitchen, bathroom and storage solutions, from private equity firm ABAC. The acquisition supports Ballingslöv International’s strategy to expand its European footprint and reinforce its decentralized multi-brand platform. With annual revenues of approximately €55 million, KBV holds a strong position in the Spanish market and has an established international presence across the U

Home Depot Strengthens Position as a Key Player in the US Home Improvement Market USA: Home Depot continues to strengthen its position as one of North America's leading home improvement retailers, benefiting from demand for housing repair, renovation and maintenance projects. The company serves both professional contractors and do-it-yourself customers through its extensive store network and integrated omnichannel platform, offering in-store shopping, online ordering and home

Frontline Bathrooms Reports 52% Growth in New Trade Accounts Following AQUA Brand Investment UK: Frontline Bathrooms reported a 52% increase in new trade accounts, with sales from those accounts rising 28%, driven by continued investment in its AQUA bathroom brand through a refreshed brand position, new products, an updated brochure and enhanced trade support. The company also recorded a 15% year-on-year sales increase, equivalent to approximately EUR 578,000 (USD 680,000), i

Oil Dexco Strengthens Position in Brazil Building Materials Market with Multi-Brand Strategy BRAZIL: Brazil-based Dexco S.A. continues to strengthen its presence in the construction and home improvement sector through its diversified portfolio of wood panels, sanitary ware, and ceramic tiles. The company serves both residential and commercial markets, leveraging a multi-brand strategy to cater to different consumer segments across Brazil and Latin America. Supported by manage

Philippine Home Improvement Retailers Begin 2026 on a Strong Note PHILIPPINE: The Philippine home improvement retail sector delivered a solid performance in the first quarter of 2026, supported by stronger store sales and continued network expansion. Market leader Wilcon Depot reported net sales of approximately US$164 million, representing a 9.1% year-on-year increase. Growth was driven by a 4.7% rise in same-store sales and a 4.0% contribution from newly opened stores. Wilc

Masco Strengthens Home Improvement Business Amid Evolving North American Housing Market UNITED STATES: Masco Corporation continues to reinforce its position in the North American home improvement market by focusing on branded building products that cater to both new construction and renovation demand. The company's portfolio, which includes bathroom and kitchen fixtures, plumbing products, and decorative hardware, benefits from ongoing repair and remodeling activity, helping

HomePro Expands Omnichannel Strategy to Support Home Improvement Retail Thailand: HomePro, operated by Home Product Center PCL, continues to strengthen its position in Thailand's home improvement retail market through its nationwide network of large-format stores offering construction materials, home furnishings, kitchen and bathroom products, appliances and related services. The company has expanded its presence through new store openings, refurbishment of existing outlets a

Ferro Strengthens Focus on Bathroom and Plumbing Solutions Across Central and Eastern Europe Poland: Ferro S.A., a manufacturer and distributor of bathroom and plumbing fittings listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange, continues to expand its presence across Central and Eastern Europe through a combination of manufacturing and distribution activities. The company supplies faucets, mixers, valves and installation components for residential and commercial buildings, serving retail

IAPMO Expands Global Compliance Services with In Compliance Acquisition Germany: The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) has expanded its international product compliance capabilities through the acquisition of Germany-based consulting firm In Compliance. The company specialises in regulatory requirements for plumbing products and systems, particularly those used in drinking water applications. The acquisition strengthens IAPMO's ability to

Grohe and Gaurs Group Sign Four-Year Residential Supply Agreement India: Grohe has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Gaurs Group to supply bathroom solutions for the developer's residential projects in Delhi-NCR. The four-year agreement is expected to cover approximately 40,000 homes across the company's upcoming luxury residential developments. Under the partnership, Grohe will supply bathroom fittings, showers and complete bathroom solutions, while selected re

Handshake ITALY: Roberto Cavalli has entered into an exclusive multi-year licensing agreement with RAK Ceramics, a global provider of ceramic lifestyle solutions, to design, manufacture, and distribute Roberto Cavalli-branded ceramic tiles, sanitaryware, and faucets. As part of the agreement, RAK Ceramics will develop and market the Roberto Cavalli collections across key markets, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt,

Shower USA: USA Cabinet Store has launched a free Walk-In Shower Layout Simulator as part of its updated "22 Walk-In Shower Ideas in 2026" guide, addressing growing demand for accessible and functional bathroom designs amid changing demographics and remodeling trends. The launch comes as the United States enters the "Peak 65" period, during which approximately 4.1 million Americans turn 65 each year. According to the AARP 2024 Home & Community Preferences Survey, 75% of adul

handshake INDIA: Astral Ltd. has approved a composite scheme of arrangement to demerge its chemicals business into a new company, Astral Chemie Limited, while simultaneously merging its wholly owned subsidiary, Al-Aziz Plastics, with Astral Ltd. Subject to regulatory approvals, Astral Chemie will be listed on both the NSE and BSE, with the chemicals business being transferred as a going concern. The restructuring will establish two independent business platforms—plumbing und

stores UK: Magnet has proposed a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) as part of its restructuring plan, which includes the closure of 15 underperforming stores to improve the business's financial position. The proposal follows the retailer's acquisition by private equity firm Alteri Partners earlier this year, after former parent company Nobia exited the UK market. According to Magnet, the CVA is intended to reduce legacy property costs, strengthen the business, and support i

Cera Sanitaryware India: Cera Sanitaryware reported that exports accounted for 1% of its total turnover during FY 2025-26, indicating that the company remains primarily focused on the domestic market. The company recorded a standalone turnover of approximately INR 2,050 crore (US$216 million approx.) during the financial year, with export sales representing a small share of overall revenue. The company continues to strengthen its manufacturing operations through investments i