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

U.S. EPA Announces Regulatory Rollback on Refrigerant Rules, Projecting USD 2.4 Billion in Savings U.S.: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), alongside President Trump, announced two regulatory actions including a final rule revising the 2023 Technology Transitions Rule and a proposed technical fix to the 2024 Emissions Reduction and Reclamation (ER&R) rule, aimed at easing restrictions on hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant. The agency estimates the changes will save

Hansgrohe Targets EUR 150 Million India Revenue, Sees Market as Strategic Growth Hub India: Plumbing materials major Hansgrohe has identified India as a strategic market and aims to increase its revenue from the country to EUR 150 million in the near term, according to a senior official. The company’s global CFO Martial Gil, however, did not disclose current revenue figures or provide a timeline for achieving the target. Hansgrohe also stated that it does not plan to invest i

Premier Launches New Air Conditioner Manufacturing Plant in Uzbekistan Uzbekistan: A new household appliance manufacturing plant under the Premier brand, specializing in air conditioner, has been launched in the Ahangaran district of the Tashkent region, with the official opening held at the Eltech Industrial Technopark. The project has been developed in partnership with UAE-based Fajr Al Mustaqbal General Trading Company, with total investment of USD 30 million. The facility