COTTO Expands Portfolio with Focus on Automatic Sanitary Solutions Thailand: COTTO has outlined its business strategy for 2026, focusing on expanding its product portfolio and introducing automatic sanitary ware to address demand for contactless and hygiene-oriented solutions. The company plans to broaden its surface materials offering to more than 10 categories, alongside the launch of new bathroom products, including an automatic toilet system and washbasin designs. These d

Air Conditioner Prices in India Expected to Increase Further India: Air conditioner prices in India are expected to rise further in the coming months due to higher raw material costs and revised energy efficiency standards introduced in January 2026. Industry representatives stated that costs across the sector have increased by around 14% to 16%, driven by higher prices of copper, aluminium and steel, along with changes in energy rating requirements. Older models manufactured

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

Carrier Targets India Growth with New Sri City Facility India: Carrier Global has announced plans to invest USD 100 million (EUR 92 million) in a new manufacturing facility in Sri City, Andhra Pradesh, with operations expected to begin by the end of next year. The company stated that India has been its fastest-growing market over the past four years, recording growth above 20% during the period and 33% growth in the first quarter of 2026. The new facility is intended to incre

LMD and Schneider Electric Partner on Smart City Projects in Egypt Egypt: LMD has signed a memorandum of understanding with Schneider Electric to collaborate on the development of smart and energy-efficient projects across Egypt. The agreement focuses on integrating technologies related to sustainability, energy management, artificial intelligence and smart city infrastructure into current and future developments. The partnership will utilise Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure

European Heat Pump Sales Rise Amid Energy Price Concerns EU: Residential heat pump sales in Europe increased during the first quarter of 2026, with France, Germany and Poland recording an average growth of 25 per cent. The rise followed higher gas and oil prices after the closure of the Strait of Hormuz on 2 March, which affected energy markets across several regions. Across 11 European countries, around 575,000 units were sold between January and March 2026, compared with 49

Iraq Prepares Plans for 21 New Residential Cities Iraq: Iraq has prepared designs for 21 new residential cities as part of ongoing efforts to address housing shortages, according to an official statement. The Ministry of Construction and Housing is working towards developing fully serviced residential cities in cooperation with real estate developers across multiple governorates. Ministry spokesperson Nabil al-Saffar stated, “Basic designs have been prepared for 21 cities…the

Germany PHVAC Sector Maintains Stability Amid Slowing Growth Germany: Germany’s plumbing, heating, and air conditioning (PHVAC) sector ended 2025 at a stable level, although sales declined and growth momentum slowed following a period of strong demand. Industry sales reached approximately EUR 59.1 billion (USD 64 billion), generated by around 48,000 companies employing 390,000 people. Orders and capacity utilisation have decreased, and no immediate growth acceleration is expe

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

Facility UK: Ultimate Renewables Supplies has launched a newly developed, purpose-built facility in Bicester as part of its ongoing expansion efforts. The new site represents a significant step forward for the company, featuring a larger warehouse, a fully equipped showroom, and a dedicated technical training workshop. It is designed to support rising nationwide demand for renewable energy solutions, offering installers, merchants, and commercial partners a hands-on environme

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

Logo USA: SPX Technologies, Inc. announced its financial results for the first quarter ended March 28, 2026. First Quarter Highlights (continuing operations; year-on-year comparison with Q1 2025). The company reported revenue of $566.8 million, reflecting a 17.4% increase, including 7.4% organic growth. GAAP income from continuing operations rose to $64.4 million, up 24.6%, while GAAP earnings per share (EPS) reached $1.27, marking a 15.5% increase. Adjusted EPS stood at $1.6