Franke UK UNITED KINGDOM: Franke UK has assured retailers and trade customers of uninterrupted product supply following the administration of its long-time distributor, Waterline. The company stated that it will continue serving customers through its own distribution networks Sinks & Things across England and Wales, and Forth & Clyde in Scotland while maintaining regular service through partners Bodel in Northern Ireland and Gowan Home in the Republic of Ireland. Waterline ha

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries ROMANIA: Bucharest’s UP-site residential project in the Floreasca district has become the first in Romania to integrate large-scale Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) VRF systems with intelligent room-by-room zoning, underfloor heating, smart-home control, and a dedicated fresh air supply. Developed by Atenor, the complex consists of two towers of 12 and 25 floors totaling 256 apartments, and targets BREEAM Excellent and RoGBC Green Homes certificat

Indonesia Cuts Rate as Loan Growth Hits Three-Year Low INDONESIA: Indonesia’s newly appointed Finance Minister, Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa, has announced plans to review his predecessor’s draft 2026 budget, including a potential revision of the fiscal deficit target, as part of his commitment to President Prabowo Subianto’s pro-growth agenda. Barely days into his role following the ouster of veteran Sri Mulyani Indrawati, Purbaya said the finance ministry will revise next year’s sp

Ferguson UNITED STATES: Ferguson, America’s leading plumbing distributor, reported robust demand from infrastructure and municipal projects even as a sluggish housing market and margin pressures weighed on overall returns. For the year ending October 9, 2025, Ferguson’s net sales reached US$30.8 billion, up 3.8% from the previous year, with organic growth of 3.2% and acquisitions contributing 1%. Q4 saw Waterworks sales rise 12% and HVAC sales 5%, reflecting strong non-reside

China’s R32 Refrigerant Prices Set to Increase by Nearly 20% China: The long-term contract price of R32 refrigerant from China is expected to increase by almost 20 per cent, according to Chinese commodity analysts. The increase is attributed to growing global demand for the lower global warming potential (GWP) refrigerant, which is widely used in domestic air conditioning systems.  The new long-term contract price has reportedly reached CNY 60,200 per tonne (USD 8,460 / EUR 7

New York Launches USD 10 Million Window Heat Pump Demonstration Programme USA: New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a USD 10 million (EUR 9.2 million) state-wide initiative to promote advanced clean heating and cooling systems through the new Clean Heat for All: Window Heat Pump Demonstration programme. Administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), the initiative aims to support the installation and performance testing of pack

EPEE Warns of Major Barriers to Heat Pump Deployment in Europe Belgium/EU: The European Partnership for Energy and the Environment (EPEE) has warned that the large-scale adoption of heat pumps in Europe is being constrained by high electricity-to-gas price ratios, limited grid investment, and inconsistencies in legislative frameworks. Responding to the European Commission’s public consultation on the upcoming Heating and Cooling Strategy, EPEE said the policy revision present

Announces Closure of Its Acrylic Factory Belgian: Ceramics producer Villeroy & Boch has announced plans to close its acrylic factory in Roeselare, Belgium, impacting approximately 60 employees. The closure will take place in several phases during 2026, with production expected to cease by mid-January and all current orders completed by mid-March, before the plant is fully shut down by the end of the year. The company stated that the decision aims to optimise operations, strea

Eastern India’s Largest Tile and Bathware India: Ceramic World has inaugurated its new flagship outlet in Eastern India, now recognized as the region’s largest tile and bathware experience center. Spread across 25,000 sq.ft, the showroom has been designed to provide an immersive and inspirational environment for homeowners, architects, and interior designers. It features an exclusive and extensive range of premium tiles, sanitary ware, faucets, and wellness products from lead

New Zealand Sees 1.3% Rise in Annual Home Consents Driven by Multi-Unit Developments New Zealand: New Zealand recorded 34,078 new homes consented in the year ended August 2025, marking a 1.3 per cent increase compared with the previous year. The rise was supported by growth in both stand-alone homes, which increased by 1 per cent to 15,775 units, and multi-unit dwellings, up 1.6 per cent to 18,323 units. The increase was largely driven by apartment and townhouse developments

Growth Seen at Just 0.3% Thailand: Thailand’s economy is expected to grow at 0.3% in the fourth quarter of 2025 if no further government stimulus is introduced, as global trade tensions and a slow tourism recovery continue to weigh on growth. The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) highlighted weakening domestic demand and declining production capacity in several industries, urging the government to boost local consumption through schemes such as the “Khon La Khrueng” co-paym

Opens New Factory Outlet Bangladesh: Star Ceramics Ltd has officially opened its new Factory Outlet on Agrabad Access Road in Chhotopool, Halishahar, Chattogram, offering premium, international-standard tiles and sanitaryware at affordable prices. The inauguration was attended by company officials, employees, and invited guests including distinguished dealers, retailers, and franchise representatives. To celebrate the launch, the Factory Outlet is providing special discounts