Geberit Reports Stable First-Quarter Performance in 2026 Switzerland: Geberit reported first-quarter net sales of CHF 873 million (USD 960 million, EUR 890 million) for 2026, representing a decline of 0.7% in Swiss franc terms, while currency-adjusted sales increased by 3.4%. The company stated that growth was supported by higher volumes and pricing effects despite weaker currency movements and challenging market conditions. Sales increased in Europe and the Middle East and A

Chinese flag CHINA: As urban living in Hong Kong increasingly prioritizes efficiency, wellness, and optimal space use, a forward-looking bathroom brand has entered the market. Leisure Plus Building Products Company Limited, with nearly 30 years of presence in the city, has been appointed the exclusive Hong Kong agent for global bathroom brand JOMOO. Through this partnership, the companies aim to introduce premium smart bathroom solutions powered by JOMOO’s advanced AI-driven

Grohe USA: GROHE positions the bathroom as the most personal space in the home, evolving into an emotional and experiential hub. Reflecting this shift, the GROHE 2026 Bathroom Trend Report highlights how bathrooms are moving beyond purely functional spaces, supported by the company’s focus on quality, design, innovation, and sustainability. Modern bathroom luxury is increasingly defined by personalization rather than opulence, with homeowners moving away from neutral designs

Lixil Japan: All business segments reported year-on-year growth in core earnings, supported by strong renovation demand, despite a decline of over 10% in new housing demand. The LHT segment benefited from increased sales of subsidy-eligible products; however, a sharp rise in aluminum prices in the second half, following a previously low base, negatively impacted fourth-quarter earnings. International and Other Markets: In the LWT international segment, revenue remained largel

AO Smith North America: The company reported sales of $946 million, with net earnings of $118 million and diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.85. In the North America segment, sales reached $753.4 million, reflecting a modest 1% increase. Growth was supported by the inclusion of Leonard Valve and pricing improvements, which helped offset weaker volumes in the water heater industry as well as production and shipping disruptions caused by adverse weather conditions. In contr

BRG’s latest European bathroom & kitchen reports have now been released, covering the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey and the UK, as part of our European bathroom & kitchen programme. Across these markets, demand in bathrooms and kitchens is increasingly shaped by renovation activity, layout optimisation and product substitution, rather than by expansion in housing stock or headline volume growth. As a result, per

IKEA Industry Goleniów Announces Workforce Reductions Poland: IKEA Industry has announced plans to reduce its workforce at its Goleniów facility in Poland, with around 160 employees potentially affected. The Goleniów District Labor Office has confirmed receipt of formal notification regarding the layoffs. Reports indicate that some local companies are already approaching affected workers with potential employment opportunities. The Goleniów plant, which employs approximately

Hansgrohe Reports Slight Decline in 2025 Financial Results Germany: Hansgrohe Group reported total sales of EUR 1.375 billion (USD 1.48 billion) in 2025, reflecting a decline of 0.9 percent compared to EUR 1.387 billion (USD 1.49 billion) in 2024. When adjusted for currency effects, sales recorded a slight increase of 0.9 percent. Operating profit decreased to EUR 185.9 million (USD 200 million), while EBITDA declined to EUR 243.6 million (USD 262 million). Margins also fell,

Waterline Limited Enters Administration Following Failed Sale UK: Waterline Limited has entered administration and will be wound down after efforts to find a buyer were unsuccessful. Founded in 1947, the company experienced growth in 2021 and 2022 but later faced a decline due to reduced consumer spending on home improvements, rising interest rates, and cost-of-living pressures. For the year ending March 2024, the company reported an operating loss of GBP 2.2 million (USD 2.7

Villeroy & Boch and Ideal Standard Present Design Continuum at Milan Design Week Italy: Villeroy & Boch and Ideal Standard have collaborated to present “Design Continuum” at Milan Design Week 2026. Developed in partnership with Studio Elastique, the installation is intended as a platform to explore how design influences perception and sensory experience. The concept focuses on rethinking the bathroom as a space shaped by materials, technology, and user interaction rather than

GROHE SPA Transforms Milan Theatre into Immersive Water-Focused Installation Germany: GROHE has presented the “Aqua Sanctuary” installation at Milan Design Week 2026, transforming the Piccolo Teatro Studio Melato into a multisensory space within 72 hours. The installation reflects the brand’s concept of “Wellbeing through Water” and explores the relationship between water, architecture, and human experience. It presents the bathroom as a space that extends beyond functionalit

Byggmax Reports Decline in First-Quarter Turnover Sweden: Byggmax reported a decline in turnover in the first quarter of the year. Total turnover reached SEK 880 million (EUR 81 million), representing a decrease of 5.3 per cent compared to the same period last year. On a like-for-like basis, turnover also declined by 5.3 per cent, while currency effects had a negative impact of 0.7 per cent. In Sweden, turnover amounted to SEK 632 million (EUR 58 million), reflecting a declin

Daelim Bath South Korea: Daelim Bath reported that it has retained the leading position in the South Korean sanitaryware market for 23 consecutive years, with a market share of 61.8% based on annual shipment data released by the Korea Ceramics and Tile Industry Cooperative. This figure highlights the company’s dominant position, with its share being more than double that of the second-ranked competitor. The data serves as a key benchmark for assessing trends in the bathroom i

SCG Decor Thailand: SCG Décor Plc announced an investment of over 1.6 billion baht (approximately US$48 million) to enhance production capabilities across Thailand and Vietnam as part of its regional optimisation strategy. The investment focuses on expanding glazed porcelain tile production capacity in Vietnam and improving manufacturing efficiency in Thailand. In Vietnam, funds are being directed toward increasing capacity at the PRIME production base to support both domesti

Somany Ceramics India: Somany Ceramics Ltd has unveiled a new brand identity, marking a shift in its positioning from a traditional tile manufacturer to a broader home and building solutions provider. The updated identity reflects the company’s evolution over more than five decades and aligns with its expanding portfolio across tiles, bathware, and related product segments. The rebranding will be implemented across retail outlets, packaging, communication platforms, and digit

SCG Decor Thailand: SCG Décor Plc announced plans to shut down two ceramic tile plants in Thailand as part of efforts to address rising production costs and weaker market conditions. The closures are expected to take place within 2026, reducing the company’s total number of tile factories in the country from four to two. The decision follows sustained pressure from higher energy costs, particularly natural gas, along with increasing logistics and raw material expenses, which

SCG Decor Thailand: SCG Décor Plc reported first-quarter 2026 revenue of 5.55 billion baht (approximately US$169 million), reflecting a 7% year-on-year decline due to weaker economic conditions in key markets and currency impacts. Despite lower revenue, profit attributable to shareholders increased by 14% to 247 million baht (approximately US$7.5 million), supported by cost control measures and operational efficiency. EBITDA stood at 780 million baht (approximately US$23.7 mi

Kenya Sanitaryware Factory Kenya: A new sanitary ware manufacturing facility has commenced operations in Kisumu County, following an investment of US$20 million. The plant, developed by Keda Ceramics, is the first sanitary ware factory in Kenya and the largest in East Africa, marking a significant step in the country’s industrial expansion. The facility is aligned with the government’s affordable housing initiative, which is driving demand for locally produced construction ma

Younger Generations Reshape Home Design Towards Functionality and Flexibility USA: Younger generations, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, are reshaping home design priorities towards functionality, adaptability and long-term usability, according to insights shared at the 2026 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show. Influenced by financial pressures, housing instability and broader uncertainty, they prefer efficient and flexible spaces over large or decorative ones. Premium design is

Demographic Trends Set to Drive Growth in Kitchen and Bathroom Renovation Market USA: The kitchen and bathroom renovation market is expected to grow in 2026, driven by several demographic and financial factors, according to the National Kitchen & Bath Association. Record home equity, an ageing population and a strong focus on ageing-in-place upgrades are key drivers of demand. Older homeowners, who are less likely to move, are investing in long-term renovations such as access