Toto Suspends Bathroom Orders Amid Material Shortages Japan: Toto has suspended new orders for prefabricated and modular bathrooms due to shortages of key materials linked to disruptions in global oil supply chains. The company informed its business partners of the decision and has not indicated when order acceptance will resume. The shortage is linked to reduced availability of naphtha, a petroleum-based feedstock used in plastics, of which Japan imports a significant share

Duravit Appoints Michael Demmer as Interim CEO Germany: Duravit AG has appointed Michael Demmer as Interim Chief Executive Officer with immediate effect. The appointment forms part of an ongoing strategic realignment and is intended to ensure continuity across the company’s processes, projects and strategic initiatives. “I will continue to develop Duravit AG with a clear strategy that puts people first and consistently strengthens the core brand. In doing so, we will focus ev

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

Tariff Disruption Across Kitchen, Bathroom and Construction Industries USA: Recent tariff changes in the United States have created significant uncertainty across the kitchen, bathroom and construction sectors. New and fluctuating import duties, particularly on Chinese goods, are disrupting global supply chains, increasing material costs and placing pressure on businesses and consumers alike. Industry leaders warn that tariffs may drive inflation higher, reduce demand and for

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

Key Wellness Trends Shaping Modern Bathroom Design for the Bath USA: Personal wellness is now central to bathroom design, with homeowners seeking spaces that support relaxation, recovery and daily rituals. Bathtubs, steam showers and saunas are increasingly valued for their therapeutic benefits rather than simple luxury. A major shift is the move towards integrated wellness, where features such as hydrotherapy, chromotherapy and aromatherapy are seamlessly built into the desi

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

Emerging Ceramic Tile Styles from Coverings 2026 USA: At Coverings 2026 in Las Vegas, ceramic and porcelain tiles showcased innovative trends shaping kitchen and bathroom design. Designers highlighted tactile finishes, bold textures and artistic surfaces that enhance both visual and sensory appeal. Popular styles include green toned tiles, metallic accents and terrazzo inspired looks, alongside minimalist ivory palettes. Smaller detailed formats and highly textured geometric

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.

How AI Is Transforming Home Appliances and Kitchen Living USA: AI-powered home appliances are becoming increasingly common in kitchens and households, with brands integrating intelligent features into ovens, refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines. These systems can optimise cooking temperatures, adjust cycles automatically, reduce energy use and learn user habits to improve convenience. Experts note that the real value lies in reducing daily effort rather than adding

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

Kitchen Faucet Trends in the United States USA: At the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show 2026 in Orlando, United States, kitchen faucet trends highlighted a strong shift towards simplicity, timeless design, and enhanced functionality. Manufacturers focused on sleek, minimalist aesthetics with cohesive finishes, while offering greater personalisation through multiple colour and material options. Touchless and hands-free technologies gained further traction, driven by convenience, h

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