top of page
Latest News from BRG and the Global Building Products Industry
Stay informed regarding BRG's latest publications and industry news covering the markets for HVAC equipment, components & controls, bathroom & kitchen products, plumbing, pipes, valves & fittings and thermal insulation.


Hansgrohe Targets EUR 150 Million India Revenue, Sees Market as Strategic Growth Hub
Hansgrohe Targets EUR 150 Million India Revenue, Sees Market as Strategic Growth Hub India: Plumbing materials major Hansgrohe has identified India as a strategic market and aims to increase its revenue from the country to EUR 150 million in the near term, according to a senior official. The company’s global CFO Martial Gil, however, did not disclose current revenue figures or provide a timeline for achieving the target. Hansgrohe also stated that it does not plan to invest i
brg_news_room
May 281 min read


Benzoville Brings Spanish Luxury Hardware Brand Mestre to India
Benzoville Brings Spanish Luxury Hardware Brand Mestre to India India: Benzoville has introduced Spanish brand Mestre’s handcrafted hardware collection in India, reflecting the growing emphasis on detail-led design in premium interiors. The collection includes door hardware, bathroom fittings, and accessories crafted with semi-precious stones such as quartz, tiger’s eye, malachite and lapis lazuli, along with Swarovski crystals and 24-carat gold plating. Positioned as “fine j
brg_news_room
May 281 min read


UK Government Announces EUR 142 Million Support Package for Ceramics Sector
UK Government Announces EUR 142 Million Support Package for Ceramics Sector UK: The UK Government has announced a EUR 142 million support package for the ceramics sector as part of wider measures aimed at supporting industrial resilience and manufacturing. The funding will support capital investment in energy efficiency and decarbonisation projects, while also providing operational assistance for eligible manufacturers facing increased costs. The scheme will be open to UK cer
brg_news_room
May 281 min read


MasterBrand Finalises Acquisition of American Woodmark to Strengthen North American Cabinet Business
MasterBrand Finalises Acquisition of American Woodmark USA: MasterBrand has completed its US$3.6 billion all-share acquisition of American Woodmark, creating a larger cabinetry manufacturer serving the North American residential market. The combined company will operate under the MasterBrand name, with headquarters remaining in Ohio while maintaining operations in Winchester, Virginia. The merger is expected to generate approximately US$90 million in annual cost savings withi
brg_news_room
May 271 min read


The Rise of Made in Saudi: Expanding Local Production of Sanitaryware and Tiles
The Rise of Made in Saudi: Expanding Local Production of Sanitaryware and Tiles Saudi Arabia is increasingly positioning itself as a regional hub for sanitaryware and tiles manufacturing, supported by localization policies, industrial investments, and rapidly expanding construction activity across the Kingdom. This transition closely aligns with the Kingdom’s “Made in Saudi” initiative, launched in March 2021 under the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NI
brg_news_room
May 255 min read


Nero Tapware Named Exclusive Australian Distributor for American Standard Bathroom Solutions
Bathroom AUSTRALIA: Nero Tapware has been named the exclusive distributor of American Standard in Australia. With a legacy spanning more than 150 years, American Standard is globally recognised for its innovation, product quality, and long-standing expertise in bathroom solutions. The partnership represents a strategic expansion for Nero, enabling the company to broaden its portfolio beyond tapware and bathroom accessories to offer more comprehensive bathroom solutions in the
brg_news_room
May 251 min read


Hiatt Hardware Group Strengthens UK Bathroom Market Position with Acquisition of Lakes Bathrooms
Hiatt Hardware Group Strengthens UK Bathroom Market Position with Acquisition of Lakes Bathrooms UK: Birmingham-based Hiatt Hardware Group has acquired Lakes Bathrooms and Lakes Showering Spaces in a multimillion-pound transaction completed on 18 May 2026. The deal secures more than 120 jobs and expands the group’s workforce to around 200 employees. The acquisition represents a strategic move by Hiatt Hardware to diversify its portfolio beyond hardware and ironmongery into ba
brg_news_room
May 221 min read


Coram UK Appoints New Managing Director to Drive Growth and Product Innovation
Coram UK Appoints New Managing Director to Drive Growth and Product Innovation UK: Coram UK has appointed David Gannon as Managing Director as the bathroom specialist enters a new phase of growth and product expansion. Bringing nearly 40 years of industry experience, Gannon previously worked with the company as a strategic consultant for 18 months. The appointment coincides with plans to invest more than US$1.16 million (£1 million) in new product development across the Coram
brg_news_room
May 221 min read


Somany Ceramics Reports Strong FY26 Growth, Expands Manufacturing & Solar Investments
Somany Ceramics Delivers Strong FY26 Earnings Growth and Approves Investment in Manufacturing and Solar Expansion INDIA: Somany Ceramics reported a strong financial performance in FY26, with consolidated net profit rising 27.8% year-on-year to US$7.7 million (INR 7,407 lakh), compared with US$6 million (INR 5,798 lakh) in FY25. Consolidated revenue increased to US$291.9 million (INR 280,116 lakh), up from US$278.1 million (INR 266,778 lakh), while earnings per share also impr
brg_news_room
May 221 min read


HORNBACH Group Reports Robust Performance and Continues Strategic Expansion
HORNBACH Group Reports Robust Performance and Continues Strategic Expansion GERMANY: HORNBACH Group reported solid results for FY2025/26 despite a challenging consumer environment and rising costs. Net sales increased by 3.8% to approximately US$ 7.2 billion, supported by strong performance in its DIY retail business and a 7.1% increase in online sales. Market shares expanded across key European markets, including Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, and the Czech
brg_news_room
May 191 min read


Villeroy & Boch Maintains Stable Q1 2026 Performance Amid Challenging Market Conditions
Bathroom Villeroy & Boch reported a satisfactory performance in the first quarter of 2026 despite operating in a difficult market environment influenced by ongoing geopolitical tensions and global economic uncertainty. The company experienced a decline in revenue, mainly due to the divestment of its northern European Gustavsberg and Vatette businesses along with unfavorable currency movements. However, underlying demand trends remained relatively stable on an adjusted basis.
brg_news_room
May 141 min read


Germany’s Leading DIY Retailers Report Slight Sales Decline in 2025 Despite Growth at Hornbach and Globus Baumarkt
DIY GERMANY: The six largest DIY retail chains in Germany recorded a combined sales decline of 0.5% in 2025, with total gross turnover reaching EUR 19.435 billion (US$22.7 billion) compared to EUR 19.533 billion (US$ 22.8 billion) in the previous year. Among the leading operators, Hornbach delivered the strongest growth at 1.9%, followed closely by Globus Baumarkt with 1.8%, while Obi posted moderate growth of 0.6%. Bauhaus achieved slight growth of 0.2% and maintained its po
brg_news_room
May 141 min read


RAK Ceramics Maintains Resilient Q1 2026 Performance Amid Supply Chain and Regional Challenges
Sanitaryware UAE: RAK Ceramics demonstrated resilient performance in Q1 2026 despite ongoing geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and elevated logistics costs across several regions. The company benefited from strong demand in key markets such as the UAE and Bangladesh, while its position as a local manufacturer enabled greater operational flexibility and quicker adaptation to changing market conditions. By increasing the use of locally sourced raw materials and p
brg_news_room
May 141 min read


Carysil Expands Premium Kitchen Business in India
Carysil Expands Premium Kitchen Business in India INDIA: Carysil showcased its latest kitchen and bathroom innovations at Innovaxpo 2026 while accelerating expansion in the Indian market. The company introduced advanced quartz and granite sinks, integrated stainless steel worktops, RO faucet systems and its premium CX appliance range inspired by European design. Carysil also expanded into bathroom solutions through its Carysil Blue portfolio. Growth is being driven by rising
brg_news_room
May 121 min read


Duravit AG Confirms Michael Demmer as Chief Executive Officer to Lead Strategic Transformation
Duravit AG Confirms Michael Demmer as Chief Executive Officer GERMANY: Duravit AG has officially appointed Michael Demmer as CEO and Chairman of the Management Board following his interim leadership role. The decision, approved by the Supervisory Board on 29 April 2026, reflects confidence in his strategic vision for the company’s future. Duravit plans to strengthen its position as a premium bathroom brand through sustainable value creation, operational efficiency, and global
brg_news_room
May 121 min read


Cera Sanitaryware Reports Profit Decline in Q4 FY26
Cera India: Cera Sanitaryware reported a 9.6% year on year decline in net profit to INR 77.33 crore (US$8.11 million) during Q4 FY26, while revenue from operations increased by 11.4% to INR 643.8 crore (US$67.5 million). The company stated that higher operating expenses, including increased stock in trade purchases and other expenditures, affected profitability during the quarter. Operating profit margin declined to 15.2% from 18.3% in the corresponding period last year. For
brg_news_room
May 101 min read


Service Titan report reveals that 74% of residential contractors view AI as a critical driver of efficiency
Residential ServiceTitan has released its 2026 Residential State of the Trades Report, based on a survey of 1,000 residential contractors. The findings indicate that 74% of contractors see AI as a key driver of efficiency, reflecting a clear shift toward more technology-enabled operations. However, only around 25% are currently using AI, revealing a notable gap between interest and actual adoption. Among early adopters, the benefits are already evident, with 48% reporting imp
brg_news_room
May 81 min read


Wren Invests USD 25.2 Million to Expand UK Showroom Network
Wren Invests USD 25.2 Million to Expand UK Showroom Network UK: Kitchen and bedroom retailer Wren is investing USD 25.2 million to open 15 new showroom across the UK in 2026, creating around 169 new jobs as part of its nationwide expansion strategy. New locations include Southport, Leamington Spa, and Newport on the Isle of Wight, with work on the Southport and Leamington Spa sites beginning immediately, while the Isle of Wight showroom, a new-build site, is expected to open
brg_news_room
May 81 min read


Bathroom Distribution Group Reports Double-Digit Q1 Growth Across Frontline and Smiths Briten
Bathroom Distribution Group Reports Double-Digit Q1 Growth Across Frontline and Smiths Briten UK: Bathroom Distribution Group (BDG), owner of Frontline Bathrooms and Smiths Briten, reported strong Q1 2026 performance, with Frontline recording 22% growth and Smiths Briten achieving 21% growth compared to the same period last year. The company attributed the increase to strong market demand, a more focused product offering, and improved product availability, supported by the ex
brg_news_room
May 81 min read


COTTO Expands Portfolio with Focus on Automatic Sanitary Solutions
COTTO Expands Portfolio with Focus on Automatic Sanitary Solutions Thailand: COTTO has outlined its business strategy for 2026, focusing on expanding its product portfolio and introducing automatic sanitary ware to address demand for contactless and hygiene-oriented solutions. The company plans to broaden its surface materials offering to more than 10 categories, alongside the launch of new bathroom products, including an automatic toilet system and washbasin designs. These d
brg_news_room
May 71 min read
bottom of page
