Manufacturing unit INDIA: Prince Pipes and Fittings Limited has completed the second phase of its asset purchase agreement, acquiring a manufacturing facility in Bhuj to strengthen its bathware segment and support the expansion of its “Aquel by Prince” portfolio. Prince Pipes and Fittings Limited (PPFL) had earlier announced an Asset Purchase Agreement on March 20, 2024, structured in two phases. In the first phase, the company acquired the Aquel brand along with associated m

Duravit AG and CEO Stephan Patrick Tahy Part Ways by Mutual Agreement GERMANY: Hornberg-based German bathroom manufacturer Duravit AG and CEO Stephan Patrick Tahy have mutually agreed to end their collaboration. The decision follows discussions between the Supervisory Board, owners, and Tahy, who concluded that their visions for the company’s future strategic direction no longer aligned. The board and owners thanked Tahy for his dedication and strategic contributions, while T

Creditors Approve Hüppe GmbH’s Restructuring Plan GERMANY: Creditors of German shower specialist Hüppe GmbH have overwhelmingly approved the company’s restructuring plan, clearing a key hurdle for its realignment. The Oldenburg Local Court confirmed the plan, which will become binding once the two‑week appeal period expires and protective shield proceedings are lifted. Management said the decision gives the firm strong momentum for its turnaround. Hüppe will focus production

Sorento Capital Unveils Dual Growth Strategy to Expand Market Presence MALAYSIA: Malaysian sanitary ware distributor is pursuing a two-pronged growth strategy to widen its market reach. The first approach targets the hardware retail segment with the launch of the Sorento Lite series, an economical range of replacement plumbing fittings sold through hardware stores. The initiative aims to leverage Malaysia’s 10,000+ hardware outlets, generating recurring demand from wear-and-t

Targets 100 Stores by 2030 Netherlands / USA : Dutch discount retailer Action has announced plans to enter the United States following its continued European expansion, with its first store expected to open in the southeastern region by late 2027 or early 2028. Founded in 1993 in Enkhuizen, the company has grown to 3,302 stores across Europe and aims to establish 100 U.S. locations by 2030 using a disciplined, step-by-step expansion strategy. Recently, Action launched its fi

West Asia tensions disrupt Morbi ceramic industry; high PNG prices stall fuel shift INDIA: Ceramic manufacturers in Morbi, Gujarat, have extended their shutdown until May 1, following a sharp increase in piped natural gas (PNG) prices by Gujarat Gas Limited. The industry had halted operations on March 17 due to a fuel supply disruption linked to tensions in Iran, which affected propane-LPG imports via the Strait of Hormuz. Tile manufacturers, who rely heavily on LPG, are now

Germany: NORDWEST Handel AG has added three new partners to its building technology division, reflecting ongoing consolidation and network alignment within the plumbing, heating, and air conditioning (PHVAC) wholesale market. The additions come amid increasing competitive pressure and evolving market requirements. The new partners will join NORDWEST’s network of more than 1,300 dealers, contributing to its expansion in the sector. From March 1, 2026, Michael Egger GmbH & Co.

Roca Group Australia: Roca Group has opened a new Sydney Gallery in Surry Hills, Australia, bringing together its brands Laufen and Roca within a shared space. The facility is designed as a two level site in a heritage building and was developed by architecture firm DKO. The gallery integrates original architectural elements with modern design to present bathroom solutions focused on functionality, innovation and sustainability. The Sydney Gallery becomes part of the company

Hornbach Germany: The Hornbach Group reported a 3.8% year on year increase in net sales, reaching US$7.43 billion in the financial year 2025-26, in line with its earlier guidance. The company maintained stable operating performance, with adjusted EBIT standing at US$305.9 million, nearly matching the previous year despite rising personnel and operational expenses. Growth was supported by store expansion, improved customer footfall, and steady performance across European marke

Indonesian Ceramic Industry Urges Reliable Domestic Gas Supply INDONESIA: Indonesian ceramic manufacturers are calling for stronger government measures to secure consistent natural gas supply, highlighting its critical role in sustaining production. Industry players are advocating for stricter implementation of the Domestic Market Obligation (DMO) policy, which would require gas producers to allocate a fixed share of output for domestic use. Producers warn that unreliable gas

Mr. Bricolage Reports Decline in 2025 Sales Performance FRANCE:  French DIY retailer Mr. Bricolage reported a 3.3% year-on-year decline in turnover in 2025, with total revenue reaching approximately $2.45 billion (€2.11 billion). On a like-for-like basis, the decline was slightly steeper at 3.8%, while its store network contracted around 2% to 1,059 locations. Performance varied across regions, with international operations posting modest growth of nearly 2%, contrasted by a

Morbi Ceramic Industry Comes to a Standstill Amid Gas Supply Disruption INDIA: The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted gas supplies to Morbi, forcing a large portion of the region’s ceramic industry to halt production. While several units had already ceased operations due to the shortage, the Morbi Ceramic Manufacturers Association has now decided to extend the shutdown to the remaining operational units as well. Morbi is one of the world’s top three ceramic cluster

Geberit Unveils Experience Center in Milan, Reinforcing Strategic Focus on Italy ITALY: Geberit has unveiled a preview of its new “Geberit Experience Center,” a multifunctional space in Milan designed as a hub for interaction and collaboration. As stated by the company, the center aims to serve as a platform for engagement, bringing together designers, businesses, architects, installers, end consumers, and institutions to foster continuous dialogue with both the industry and

New US Tariffs Leave CUSMA Exemptions Unchanged USA: The US has introduced new global tariffs on imports, but goods qualifying under the Canada‑United States‑Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) will continue to be exempt, according to a statement from the White House. The decision follows a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that struck down earlier emergency tariff measures, prompting the government to adopt tariffs under a different legal authority. Despite the broader tariff regime taking eff

Strait of Hormuz Disruption Leaves 1,500 Containers of Indian Ceramic Exports Stranded India: The blocking of the Strait of Hormuz has left around 1,500 containers of ceramic exports from India stranded at ports or in transit, increasing the risk of exporters facing shipping surcharges, demurrage charges, and war risk surcharges from shipping companies. The containers, mainly carrying wall tiles, floor tiles, vitrified tiles, and sanitaryware destined for West Asia, are stuck

Geberit Reports Sales Growth in 2025 Despite Weak European Construction Market SWITZERLAND: Geberit Group reported resilient performance in 2025 despite weak construction activity in Europe. Net sales rose 2.5% to US$ 4.01 billion (CHF 3.16 billion), or 4.8% in currency-adjusted terms, supported by strong product launches and broad-based market growth. Operating cashflow (EBITDA) increased 2.0% to US$1.18 billion (CHF 931 million), with the EBITDA margin at 29.4%, slightly be

Rising Gas Prices Increase Cost Pressure on Italy’s Ceramic Industry Italy: Gas prices in Europe have increased following geopolitical tensions linked to the conflict involving Iran, raising concerns among ceramic manufacturers in Italy. According to Confindustria Ceramica, gas prices rose from EUR 33 per MWh (USD 36 per MWh) to EUR 55 per MWh (USD 60 per MWh) within two days, reaching the highest level since February of the previous year. The association estimated that the i

10 Home Design Features That Help People Age Comfortably at Home USA: Design professionals highlight several home features that support comfortable and safe living as residents grow older. Wider doorways and hallways allow easier movement, particularly for wheelchairs or walkers, while step-free layouts reduce the risk of trips and falls. Curbless showers, grab bars and non-slip flooring are commonly recommended for bathrooms to improve safety and accessibility. Enhanced ligh

DIY Store Sales in Germany Decline in 2025 Germany: Sales at DIY stores in Germany declined in 2025, continuing the downward trend observed in recent years. Total sales in the sector fell by 1.6 percent compared with the previous year, reaching EUR 20.58 billion (approximately USD 22.3 billion). When adjusted for floor space, sales declined by 1.4 percent. The figures were released by the trade association BHB during a press conference held at the International Hardware Fair

Gaurs Group Plans US$ 27.3 million Investment in Precast Construction Facility in Noida INDIA: Gaurs Group has announced plans to invest US$ 27.3 million (₹2500 million) in establishing a precast manufacturing and modular construction facility in Noida. The investment follows a memorandum of understanding with Elematic India, part of Finland-based Elematic Group. In the first phase, around US$ 10.9 million (₹1000 million) will be used to build a precast plant that will produc