South Korean Firms Intensify Competition in Heat Pump Market South Korea: South Korea’s heat pump market is witnessing increased competition as major appliance manufacturers and boiler producers expand their presence in the sector. Heat pumps, which use electricity to provide heating and hot water, are gaining attention as countries pursue energy transition and decarbonisation goals. The South Korean government has also outlined plans to deploy 3.5 million heat pumps by 2035,

Spain’s Heating Market Shifts Towards Heat Pumps Spain: Property owners in Spain are increasingly evaluating heat pump installations as the European Union moves forward with plans to phase out fossil fuel-based heating systems under the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. Spain is expected to progressively end new gas heating installations from 2025, with a targeted deadline of 2029. While existing gas boilers can continue operating, replacement options will become mor

RHOSS Highlights Heat Pump Focus Amid Growing Decarbonisation Efforts Italy: RHOSS has outlined the growing role of heat pumps in supporting building decarbonisation as European regulations continue to encourage the adoption of low-emission heating technologies. The company stated that heat pumps are becoming an increasingly important component of the European Union’s climate objectives, supported by policy initiatives such as the “Fit for 55” framework. Alongside heating and

TOTO Flotation Bathtub Introduced in India Through Valueline India: Valueline has introduced the Flotation Bathtub by TOTO to the Indian market, making the product available through its Delhi showroom. The bathtub is based on TOTO’s patented Zero Dimension technology, which is designed to recreate the body’s natural resting posture and provide a floating sensation during bathing. The product incorporates several integrated features, including Hydrohands water massage technolo

GCware Plans Expansion into Southern and Western India India: GCware has announced plans to expand its operations into southern and western India as part of its broader growth strategy. The company, which originated as Glocera in 2009, currently has an established presence across northern and eastern regions of the country. Alongside its geographical expansion, GCware is investing in manufacturing automation and smart sanitaryware technologies. According to directors Nimish G

Danfoss Announces EUR 10 Million Investment in French Heat Pump Components Facility France: Danfoss has announced an additional investment of EUR 10 million (USD 11.3 million) in its production facility in Reyrieux, France, where the company manufactures components used in heat pumps. The latest commitment follows investments totalling EUR 61 million (USD 68.9 million) made at the site between 2015 and 2025. The investment was announced during the Choose France Summit hosted

IKEA FRANCE: Ingka Group, the largest IKEA retailer, is accelerating its retail expansion by entering new locations to improve accessibility and affordability for customers. As part of its renewed emphasis on its core retail operations, the company is continuing the rollout of a compact store format, which has been piloted since 2025 across selected European markets and the U.S. Following launches in the UK, Poland, and the U.S., IKEA France has opened its first two compact s

HVAC USA: Watsco has completed the acquisition of Jackson Supply Company, a well-established distributor of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment, strengthening its presence across the rapidly growing U.S. Sunbelt region. Founded in 1972, Jackson Supply recorded approximately $230 million in revenue in calendar year 2025. The acquisition adds 25 distribution centres and nearly 5,000 active contractor customers to Watsco’s network, expanding its footprint

HVAC Factory AUSTRALIA: Climate HVAC is strengthening its position in the Australian market through innovative offerings such as Prihoda Fabric Ducting, which provides enhanced airflow performance, quicker installation, and greater design flexibility for contemporary commercial applications. The company has secured exclusive distribution rights for Prihoda fabric ducting across Eastern Australia, further underscoring its focus on delivering high-performance, future-ready HVAC

AI INDIA: The continued expansion of artificial intelligence is driving strong demand for professionals specializing in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, robotics engineering, and industrial automation, according to executives at recruitment and executive search firms speaking to ET. This includes experts involved in the design, development, programming, and maintenance of robotic systems. An analysis conducted by recruitment firm Randstad for ET reve

Tariff USA: Donald Trump signed a proclamation revising tariffs on selected metal-related imports to better address national security concerns, encourage investment in U.S. agriculture, housing, and manufacturing, and support domestic production of related goods. Under the revised measures, tariffs on certain agricultural machinery, including combines and harvesters, have been reduced from 25% to 15%. The proclamation also broadens the scope of industrial equipment eligible f

Modern Bathroom The trend towards showers has been a longstanding shift in most countries, particularly across Western Europe, where it began gaining momentum in the late 1990s and early 2000s. This transition has been driven by changing consumer lifestyles, increasing urbanisation, and a growing preference for convenience, speed, and water efficiency. Compared to bathtubs, showers are perceived as more practical for daily use, especially among working households and in small

Chinese-Backed Sanitary Ware Manufacturing Facility Opens in Karak JORDAN: A new sanitary ware manufacturing facility backed by Chinese investment was inaugurated in Karak, southern Jordan, on 31 May 2026. Developed by Jincheng Global Ceramic Company with an investment of US$ 80 million, the plant is expected to strengthen Jordan's industrial base, increase local manufacturing value-added and support economic development outside the capital. Jordanian Prime Minister Jafar Has

New CEE Bonus Scheme Favours European-Made Heat Pumps FRANCE: France has introduced new rules linking enhanced Energy Savings Certificates (CEE) incentives to heat pumps manufactured in Europe. From 1 September 2026, only approved air-to-water, water-to-water and ground-source heat pumps meeting the new "quality and industrial resilience" criteria will qualify for the bonus. Eligible products must hold recognised European certifications and complete key stages of refrigeratio

Consumers Rush to Purchase Air Conditioners Ahead of Stricter Efficiency Standards JAPAN: Japan is experiencing a surge in air conditioner sales as consumers seek to buy current models before stricter energy-efficiency standards take effect in April 2027. Retailers such as Bic Camera and Nojima reported significant sales growth, driven by expectations of higher prices for compliant models and increasingly hot summers. New units are expected to cost US$125 to US$187 (¥20,000–3

Record Housing Supply Strengthens Bengaluru Residential Market in Q1 2026 India: Bengaluru residential market remained India's strongest in Q1 2026, with housing sales surpassing 18,000 units and new launches reaching a record 27,000 units, according to JLL. Demand continued to be driven by the city's resilient technology sector, expanding metro network, and growing preference for larger premium homes. Properties priced above INR 1.5 crore (USD 174,000 or EUR 149,000) account

Oman Oman: Oman has introduced a new investment opportunity for an air conditioning manufacturing plant as part of a broader industrial development initiative aimed at expanding domestic manufacturing capabilities. The proposed facility requires an investment of approximately OMR 6.54 million (US$17 million) and will focus on producing energy-efficient cooling units for both domestic and regional markets. The project is included in a package of manufacturing opportunities sup

US Housing Shortage Drives Growing Interest in Affordable Factory-Built Homes USA: The ongoing housing affordability crisis in the United States is driving increased interest in factory-built and modular housing as a faster and more cost-effective alternative to conventional construction. The country entered 2026 with an estimated housing shortfall of approximately 4.03 million homes, while elevated mortgage rates, labour shortages and rising construction costs continue to re

Beijer Ref US: Beijer Ref has acquired AM Distributors, a US-based HVAC distributor, as part of its expansion strategy in North America. AM Distributors has branches in Miami, Miramar and Hialeah. The company generates annual net sales of approximately SEK 460 million (US$49.7 million) and specialises in HVAC distribution services across the South Florida market. The acquisition strengthens Beijer Ref’s presence in the US HVAC distribution sector and expands its footprint in

Duravit Germany: Duravit has appointed Dr Bernt Ketterer as Senior Vice President of Strategy, Innovation and Product Portfolio Management, effective June 1, 2026. The newly created leadership role is part of the company’s strategic restructuring efforts. Ketterer previously served as Head of Corporate Strategy at the KOSTAL Group, where he was involved in corporate transformation initiatives and portfolio development across growth-orientated business segments. In his new pos

Nimlas Group Sweden: Nimlas Sweden has acquired Jönköpings Rörtjänst AB, a Sweden-based HVAC and plumbing contractor, as part of its ongoing expansion strategy in the Småland region. Founded in 2008, Jönköpings Rörtjänst provides installation, maintenance, repair and renovation services for HVAC, plumbing, district heating, district cooling, heat pumps and cooling systems. The company serves commercial and public property owners, industrial clients, construction firms, housin

VDMA Reports Steady Business Confidence, Though Market Recovery Remains Slow GERMANY: The latest VDMA Sanitary Technology and Design sentiment survey indicates that the German sanitary and installation technology industry remains stable, although the anticipated recovery has yet to materialise. Most companies continue to report satisfactory or good business conditions, with a majority expecting modest revenue growth in 2026. However, rising energy and raw material costs, supp

EPBD IV and heat pump: Building Decarbonization Demands Coordinated Supply Chains and Action ITALY: As the deadline for implementing EPBD IV approaches, Assoclima has reaffirmed the readiness of Italy’s heat pump industry to support the decarbonization and energy retrofitting of buildings. The association highlighted that heat pump technology has reached a mature stage, offering high efficiency, improved safety, easier integration into existing buildings, and the use of lower

Bosch Drives Future Growth with AI, Innovation, and Circular Economy Investments ITALY: Bosch reported 2025 consolidated sales in Italy of approximately US$2.6 billion (€2.3 billion), a 4.8% decline from the previous year, reflecting ongoing economic and geopolitical challenges. Despite softer market conditions, the company remains focused on automation, digitalization, electrification, and sustainable growth. The recent acquisition of Johnson Controls’ and Hitachi’s HVAC bus