Indian Startup Develops 50°C Air Conditioner with IIT Delhi INDIA: Climate-tech startup Optimist has developed a next-generation air conditioner capable of operating efficiently in temperatures up to 50°C, following an 18-month collaboration with IIT Delhi. The system has successfully completed pilot testing and is moving toward market launch as rising heat intensifies demand for resilient cooling solutions. The partnership focused on advanced engineering, including HVAC simu

Villeroy & Boch Restructures its Management Team FRANCE: Villeroy & Boch is reshaping its management structure as Chairwoman of the Executive Board Gabi Schupp steps down after the Annual General Meeting for personal reasons. Her departure follows the successful integration of Ideal Standard and broader transformation efforts that have strengthened the group’s strategic position. The company will continue executing its existing strategy under a streamlined four-member Executi

Johnson Controls Acquires Nantum AI to Strengthen OpenBlue UNITED STATES: Johnson Controls has acquired Nantum AI to expand AI-driven energy optimization and control capabilities within its OpenBlue digital ecosystem. The acquisition adds proprietary algorithms that optimize real-time airflow based on occupancy, improve HVAC performance and reduce energy consumption across complex facilities such as healthcare campuses and advanced manufacturing sites. The first combined offe

Electrolux and Midea Form Joint Ventures in North America USA/Mexico: Electrolux Group has entered into a long-term strategic partnership with Midea Group to establish joint ventures in refrigeration and laundry manufacturing and sales across North America. The agreement includes a sales joint venture for food preservation products, alongside manufacturing joint ventures in Juarez, Mexico and Anderson, United States. The partnership is expected to commence in the third quarte

Europe’s Construction Sector Faces Pressure Amid Middle East Crisis EU: The European construction industry is facing increased pressure due to the ongoing Middle East crisis, which has led to higher energy, fuel and transport costs, along with price volatility for key materials. According to a statement from the European construction federation, these conditions are affecting project pricing, supply chains and investment planning, particularly for petroleum-related inputs suc

Global Heat Pump Sales Decline Slightly in 2025 Global: Global heat pump sales declined by around 2% in 2025, with mixed trends across major markets. Sales in China and Japan remained largely stable, while Europe recorded growth of 11%, supported by increased demand in Germany, where sales rose in the first half of the year and heat pumps exceeded gas boiler sales. In contrast, France reported a decline, and the United States saw sales fall by approximately 13%, influenced by

TCL Opens Guangzhou Facility to Expand Air Conditioning Production China: TCL has inaugurated a new smart manufacturing base in Guangzhou as part of its expansion in air conditioning production. The facility supports the company’s growing global operations, with products sold across more than 160 countries and regions. The development follows the company reaching a cumulative production milestone of 100 million air conditioning units within five years, reflecting increased de

Roca Partners with Graha Bangunan Blitar to Expand Market Reach Indonesia: Graha Bangunan Blitar has entered into a partnership with Roca to expand the availability of sanitary products in Blitar and surrounding areas. The collaboration is aimed at strengthening distribution networks and supporting demand from the construction sector, including architects, contractors and other professionals. The initiative aligns with ongoing activity in the property sector, where access to

German PHVAC Sector Shows Signs of Slowdown Germany: The plumbing, heating, and air conditioning (PHVAC) sector in Germany is showing signs of decline, according to a survey conducted by ZVSHK among approximately 1,690 member companies. While the current business situation remains positive with an indicator of +36.4 percent, expectations for the coming months are negative at -7.4 percent. Order backlogs have fallen to an average of 11.5 weeks, around four weeks lower than the

Labour Shortage Slows Australia’s Housing Targets Australia: Australia’s housing targets are facing pressure due to a shortage of skilled workers, as the country struggles to meet its construction goals. Around 18 months into the federal government’s five-year housing accord, the country is behind target by approximately 77,000 homes. The sector continues to rely on a workforce of around two million tradespeople, but additional labour is required to support planned housing de

Beijer Ref and Copeland Extend Distribution Agreement in ANZ Australia & New Zealand: Beijer Ref and Copeland have extended their exclusive distribution agreement for Copeland ZX condensing units across Australia and New Zealand. The agreement includes distribution through Beijer Ref Australia, Kirby HVAC&R, Patton NZ and SCM Ref Australia, and covers ZX condensing units manufactured in Asia, including the HLR (Horizontal Receiver Scroll Unit) and associated platform-specific

Swegon Partners with Ahlsell to Expand Distribution in Norway Norway: Swegon has entered into a strategic partnership with Ahlsell to strengthen its market presence in Norway. Under the agreement, selected ventilation products from Swegon will be distributed through Ahlsell’s national network. As part of the arrangement, Ahlsell will take over Swegon Norway’s traded goods business, including five sales locations and associated employees. “This agreement reflects Swegon’s long

Alfa Laval Reports First Quarter Results for 2026 Sweden: Alfa Laval AB reported its financial results for the period from 1 January to 31 March 2026, showing a mixed performance. Order intake declined by 1 percent to SEK 17.6 billion (approximately USD 1.63 billion), although it recorded an organic increase of 6 percent. Net sales decreased by 3 percent to SEK 15.9 billion (approximately USD 1.47 billion), with an organic increase of 2 percent. Adjusted EBITA remained at SEK

Kvik Opens New Studio in Cologne as Part of Germany Expansion Germany: Kvik is expanding its presence in Germany with the opening of a new studio in Cologne on 6 May 2026. Located in the city centre on Hohenstaufenring, the showroom will cover around 160 square metres and will display kitchen systems along with storage solutions, bathroom furniture, wardrobe concepts and items from the company’s Living Collection, including dining tables, chairs and wall shelving. The Cologne

Gujarat Gas Reduces PNG Prices for Morbi Ceramic Units India: Gujarat Gas Ltd has reduced the price of piped natural gas (PNG) supplied to ceramic manufacturers in Morbi following industry concerns. The price has been lowered from INR 88 per cubic metre (approximately USD 1.05) to INR 77 per cubic metre (approximately USD 0.92) after negotiations. Despite the reduction, PNG remains around 48 percent more expensive than propane-LPG at INR 52 per standard cubic metre (approxima

Roca Partners with Graha Bangunan Blitar to Expand Market Reach in Indonesia Indonesia: Graha Bangunan Blitar has partnered with Roca to expand the availability of sanitary products in Blitar and nearby areas. The collaboration aims to strengthen distribution and support demand from the construction sector by offering a wider range of sanitary solutions for residential and project-based developments. The initiative reflects ongoing activity in the property sector, where acces

Rising AC Demand in India Faces Supply Constraints India: Demand for air conditioners in India has increased by around 20–25 percent in recent weeks, following a decline of 5–8 percent during March and April. However, supply has not kept pace, with retailers receiving only about 50 percent of their ordered volumes. The shortage is most pronounced in newer energy-efficient models, as compliance with updated government efficiency standards has made production more complex, part

Acquire Hitachi’s Household Japan: Japanese home appliance retailer Nojima Corp. announced that it will acquire the household appliance business of Hitachi Ltd. for approximately ¥110.1 billion (USD 734 million). The deal, the largest acquisition in Nojima’s history, is expected to be completed in fiscal 2026, ending March 2027. As part of the transaction, Hitachi Global Life Solutions Inc. will spin off its household appliance division into a new entity, in which Nojima will

Launches PE Piping Plant India: Geberit India has commenced production at its newly inaugurated PE piping plant and testing facility in Pune, marking a significant step in strengthening its manufacturing footprint in the country. The facility, inaugurated on April 1, 2026, reflects a strategic investment to enhance local production capabilities and respond more effectively to the growing demand for high-quality piping systems in India. The inauguration ceremony was attended b

Government Raises Boiler Upgrade Grants UK: Households facing rising heating oil costs will receive increased financial support as the Government raises grants under the “boiler upgrade scheme” from GBP 7,500 (USD 9,450) to GBP 9,000 (USD 11,340) for properties relying on heating oil and LPG. The initiative is designed to help households and small businesses across England and Wales particularly in rural areas transition to electric heat pumps and achieve more predictable ene

Expands into AI Data Center Infrastructure South Korea: LG Electronics announced its strategic expansion into the artificial intelligence data center infrastructure market, introducing a suite of advanced cooling and energy solutions while positioning its HVAC segment as a key business-to-business growth driver. The company showcased its latest portfolio at the Data Center World 2026 in Washington, where global firms addressed increasing infrastructure and energy efficiency d

Targets Leadership in Philippines China: Gree Electric Appliances Inc. of Zhuhai is aiming to regain and expand its share in the Philippines air conditioning market, supported by improved stock management and the introduction of innovative products. According to William Zhao, regional general manager for Asia and Oceania, the company seeks to return to its pre-pandemic market position and ultimately achieve the top spot in the country. Gree faced challenges during the pandemi

VTS Group Joins Eurovent Poland: VTS Group has officially joined Eurovent as a Corresponding Member, marking a key milestone in its commitment to quality, transparency, and industry collaboration. Specializing in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning solutions, VTS operates across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas, and is widely recognized for its air handling units, delivering energy-efficient, reliable, and cost-effective climate control systems for comme

Over 51,000 Hectares in Land Preparation Iran: National Land and Housing Organization Managing Director Ali Nabian announced that contractor claims in the land preparation sector have been paid from the organization’s resources, highlighting continued progress in land development efforts. Speaking via a report from the Ministry of Transport and Urban Development, he emphasized that under the 14th government, land preparation alongside land supply has been actively pursued, wi