Carrier Opens New Montluel Testing Facility for HVAC Innovation FRANCE: Carrier Global has opened a new high-performance HVAC testing facility at its European Centre of Excellence in Montluel, France, backed by a €12 million (US$13.1 million) investment. The expansion is aimed at accelerating R&D for cooling and heating technologies used in data centres, industrial sites, and large commercial buildings. The new lab can test air-cooled chillers up to 3,200 kW, air-source heat

MahaRERA Approves Over 1,000 Projects Around Gudhi Padwa India: The Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) approved a total of 1,060 real estate projects around the Gudhi Padwa period through a combination of new registrations, timeline extensions and corrections to existing projects. Of these, 486 projects received new registration numbers, while 426 projects were granted extensions to their completion timelines and 148 projects were allowed corrections. A t

Kitchen and Bath Sector Remains Resilient Despite Economic Pressure, with Gradual Growth Expected in 2026 USA: The kitchen and bath remodeling sector is expected to stabilise and return to modest growth in 2026 after three years of decline, according to the National Kitchen & Bath Association. Revenue is projected to reach $228 billion, driven mainly by existing-home renovations rather than new construction. Although high costs and labour shortages continue to pressure margin

Kitchen Renovations Driven by Housing Pressures and Shift Towards Functional, Long-Term Design USA: Kitchen renovations are increasingly influenced by housing shortages in United States, ageing properties and longer homeowner occupancy, according to Houzz. A survey of 1,800 homeowners shows many are choosing to upgrade existing kitchens rather than move, with a strong focus on improving functionality and addressing outdated or inefficient layouts. More than half are planning

Swegon Acquires Western Airconditioning in the Netherlands Netherlands: Swegon has acquired Western Airconditioning, a supplier of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems based in the Netherlands. Western Airconditioning has been a distributor of Swegon’s chillers and heat pumps in the Dutch market. The acquisition expands Swegon’s presence in the Netherlands and adds service capabilities and technical support in the heating and cooling segment. Western Aircondition

Saccaria Rebrands to Unicom Italy: Saccaria, a historic company from the Marche region, has begun a gradual transformation of its brand into Unicom, already part of the Clerici Group network. The transition starts with the Senigallia store on Via Botticelli and will progressively extend to all locations, ensuring operational continuity while preserving established relationships and local presence. Since joining Clerici Group in 2018, Saccaria has become a key player in the re

Panasonic Establishes HVAC & Cold Chain Company Under New Group Structure Japan: Panasonic has established Panasonic HVAC & CC Co., Ltd. as part of its transition to a revised group structure. The new entity has been formed through the consolidation of the Heating & Ventilation A/C Company and the Cold Chain Solutions Company within Panasonic Corporation. The company will operate alongside other related entities, including Panasonic HVAC & CC Systems Co., Ltd., Panasonic Envi

Samsung and LG shift heat pump production to South Korea amid policy changes South Korea: Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics are planning to relocate their heat pump production lines from China to South Korea, in line with government policies supporting domestically manufactured products. Samsung is expected to move production from Suzhou to its Gwangju facility, while LG is considering shifting operations from Tianjin to Changwon, with both companies aiming to begin dome

Energy price volatility drives increased interest in green technologies across Europe Europe: The ongoing conflict involving Iran has contributed to rising energy prices and renewed focus on alternatives to fossil fuels across Europe. Brent crude prices have increased by more than 50 per cent since the conflict began, reaching USD 116 per barrel, while disruption to the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil supply, has affected around one-fifth of daily oil flows. Euro

Germany: NORDWEST Handel AG has added three new partners to its building technology division, reflecting ongoing consolidation and network alignment within the plumbing, heating, and air conditioning (PHVAC) wholesale market. The additions come amid increasing competitive pressure and evolving market requirements. The new partners will join NORDWEST’s network of more than 1,300 dealers, contributing to its expansion in the sector. From March 1, 2026, Michael Egger GmbH & Co.

South Africa reports rise in FDI inflows in fourth quarter of 2025 South Africa: South Africa recorded foreign direct investment inflows of ZAR 41.3 billion (approximately USD 2.4 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2025, compared with outflows of ZAR 21.0 billion (approximately USD 1.2 billion) in the third quarter, according to data published by the South African Reserve Bank. The inflows were attributed to non-resident investments across sectors including media and entertain

UK advances energy and CO2 measures amid global supply disruptions UK: The UK government is assessing measures to address energy supply risks following disruption to global markets linked to conflict involving Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for oil and gas trade. Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that there may not be a "quick and early end" to the situation and confirmed that the government would examine "every lever that's available" to support h

Croatia Announces €450 Million Support Package to Mitigate Energy Price Pressures CROATIA: Croatia has announced a €450 million (US$ 517.98 million) support package aimed at mitigating rising energy costs and safeguarding economic stability amid global uncertainty. The measures include continued caps on fuel prices, and the extension of subsidised electricity and gas tariffs for households, public institutions, and small businesses until late 2026. Targeted financial support

Danfoss India Plans US$ 158.35 Million Investment to Expand Cooling Solutions and Heat Pump Technologies INDIA: Danfoss India has announced plans to invest approximately US$ 158.35 million (₹1,500 million) over the next five years to strengthen its presence in energy-efficient technologies. The investment will focus on expanding production capacity for compressors and battery energy storage systems, while capitalising on the rising demand for data centre cooling solutions. Th

Air Conditioner CHINA: In 2025, Xiaomi reached a significant milestone, recording its highest-ever revenue in the smart large home appliances segment. The company posted a 23.1% year-on-year growth, supported by strong demand for air conditioners, refrigerators, and washing machines. Air conditioner shipments exceeded 8.5 million units, marking a 24% annual increase. Refrigerator shipments surpassed 2.8 million units (up 4%), while washing machine shipments crossed 2.3 millio

Air conditioner CHINA: In 2025, Xiaomi marked a major achievement by recording its highest-ever revenue in the smart large home appliances segment, registering a 23.1% year-on-year increase. This growth was fueled by strong demand across air conditioners, refrigerators, and washing machines. Air conditioner shipments surpassed 8.5 million units, reflecting a 24% annual rise, while refrigerator shipments exceeded 2.8 million units (up 4%) and washing machine shipments crossed

Housing Construction Activity Shifts Towards Smaller Counties Amid Rising Costs USA: Recent data from the United States highlights a clear shift in housing construction patterns in the second half of 2025. Single-family building fell across most regions, with large metro core counties recording the steepest decline of 12.8%, while micro counties were the only segment to post growth, rising 1.6% for the seventh consecutive quarter. In terms of market share, small metro core co

How AI Is Transforming Home Appliances and Kitchen Living USA: AI-powered home appliances are becoming increasingly common in kitchens and households, with brands integrating intelligent features into ovens, refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines. These systems can optimise cooking temperatures, adjust cycles automatically, reduce energy use and learn user habits to improve convenience. Experts note that the real value lies in reducing daily effort rather than adding

HVAC-R Sector Reaches €83 Billion Italy: In Italy, the HVAC-R supply chain has reached a turnover of EUR 83 billion (USD 89.64 billion), generating EUR 27 billion (USD 29.16 billion) in added value and contributing nearly EUR 300 billion (USD 324 billion) to the national economy, according to a study by The European House – Ambrosetti presented at Mostra Convegno Expocomfort. The sector plays a central role in the energy transition, particularly in buildings, which account fo

Roca Group Australia: Roca Group has opened a new Sydney Gallery in Surry Hills, Australia, bringing together its brands Laufen and Roca within a shared space. The facility is designed as a two level site in a heritage building and was developed by architecture firm DKO. The gallery integrates original architectural elements with modern design to present bathroom solutions focused on functionality, innovation and sustainability. The Sydney Gallery becomes part of the company

Qatar Qatar: Qatar real estate market recorded a 29% year on year increase in total sales value, rising from approximately US$7.3 billion in 2024 to US$9.4 billion in 2025, according to data from Real Estate Regulatory Authority Aqarat. Land and villa transactions remained the dominant segments, contributing the largest share to overall sales despite a slight decline in their individual values. Apartment and building transactions also maintained steady activity, supporting ov

General Inc. Japan: Takeshi Ebisu has been appointed representative director and CEO of General Inc, following approval at the company shareholders meeting. The move is part of a broader leadership restructuring after the transition of Fujitsu General into Paloma Rheem Holdings in August 2025 and its subsequent rebranding to General earlier this year. Ebisu brings prior experience from Daikin Industries, including leadership roles at its subsidiary Goodman Manufacturing. Alon

Heinz von Heiden GmbH Massivhäuser Germany: Heinz von Heiden GmbH Massivhäuser has entered into a strategic partnership with Qvantum to integrate exhaust air heat pumps into its modular housing offerings. Under this collaboration, selected house types, including bungalows and urban villas, will be equipped with Qvantum QE all in one systems as a standard feature. These systems combine heating, cooling, hot water production and ventilation within a compact indoor unit, elimina

Hornbach Germany: The Hornbach Group reported a 3.8% year on year increase in net sales, reaching US$7.43 billion in the financial year 2025-26, in line with its earlier guidance. The company maintained stable operating performance, with adjusted EBIT standing at US$305.9 million, nearly matching the previous year despite rising personnel and operational expenses. Growth was supported by store expansion, improved customer footfall, and steady performance across European marke