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

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

Dexco Shuts Urussanga Plant, Consolidates Ceramic Production in Brazil Amid Efficiency Drive Brazil: Wood panel and ceramic tile manufacturer Dexco announced the shutdown of industrial operations at its Urussanga plant in Santa Catarina, Brazil, shifting ceramic tile production to Criciúma (Santa Catarina) and Botucatu (São Paulo), under its Ceusa and Portinari brands. The company, controlled by Itaúsa and the Seibel family, said the move is part of a strategy to improve capa