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Latest News from BRG and the Global Building Products Industry
Stay informed regarding BRG's latest publications and industry news covering the markets for HVAC equipment, components & controls, bathroom & kitchen products, plumbing, pipes, valves & fittings and thermal insulation.


GROHE Outlines Key Bathroom Design Trends Shaping 2026
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
brg_news_room
May 41 min read


SPX Technologies, Inc. Reports Strong Q1 2026 Results with Double-digit Revenue and Earnings Growth
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
brg_news_room
May 41 min read


Trane Technologies plc Posts Solid Q1 Results and Upgrades Full-year Revenue and EPS Outlook
Trane technologies USA: Trane Technologies plc reported its financial performance for the first quarter of 2026, highlighting steady earnings growth and strong demand across key segments. The company recorded GAAP diluted earnings per share (EPS) from continuing operations of $2.66, while adjusted EPS stood at $2.63, reflecting a 7% increase year-on-year. Revenue reached $5 billion, marking a 6% rise, with organic revenue growth of 3%. Organic bookings increased significantly
brg_news_room
May 41 min read


A. O. Smith Corporation Announces Q1 2026 Results and Revises down full-year
AO Smith North America: The company reported sales of $946 million, with net earnings of $118 million and diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.85. In the North America segment, sales reached $753.4 million, reflecting a modest 1% increase. Growth was supported by the inclusion of Leonard Valve and pricing improvements, which helped offset weaker volumes in the water heater industry as well as production and shipping disruptions caused by adverse weather conditions. In contr
brg_news_room
May 41 min read


Carrier Global Corporation reports strong Q1 2026 order growth driven by data center and commercial HVAC demand
carrier USA: Carrier Global Corporation reported its financial results for the first quarter of 2026, highlighting strong momentum in key segments. Data center orders surged by more than 500%, with the current backlog fully covering anticipated data center sales for 2026. Overall company orders rose by 11%, driven in part by a 35% increase in the Commercial HVAC segment. "We started the year with better-than-expected sales performance across the portfolio," said Carrier Chair
brg_news_room
May 41 min read


Home Improvement Sector Hit by Bankruptcies as DAX Restructures and Wren Kitchens Shuts Down
Home Improvement Sector Hit by Bankruptcies United States: The home improvement and hardware sector is facing mounting financial pressure, with DAX International Brokers Inc. filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy while continuing operations, and Wren Kitchens abruptly shutting down all U.S. operations under Chapter 7 liquidation. DAX reported assets between USD 0.5–1 million against liabilities of USD 1–10 million, including over USD 7 million in unsecured debt, as it seeks to res
brg_news_room
May 41 min read


Ingersoll Rand Posts Solid First-Quarter 2026 Performance
Ingersoll Rand Posts Solid First-Quarter 2026 Performance USA: Ingersoll Rand Inc. reported solid first-quarter 2026 results, with revenue reaching approximately $1.85 billion and adjusted earnings per share of $0.77. The company recorded net income of about $192 million and adjusted EBITDA of roughly $469 million, reflecting steady operational performance. Growth was supported by strong demand across key segments, particularly in precision and industrial technologies. Manage
brg_news_room
Apr 301 min read


USA Housing Starts Rebound in March 2026 as Residential Construction Shows Broad-Based Growth Despite Cost Pressures
USA Housing Starts Rebound in March 2026 as Residential Construction Shows Broad-Based Growth Despite Cost Pressures USA: Residential construction activity in the United States recorded a strong recovery in March 2026, with total housing starts rising 10.8% month-on-month to 1.50 million units, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Growth was supported by both single-family homes, up 9.7%, and multifamily developments, which increased 13.3%. Compared with March 2025, starts we
brg_news_room
Apr 281 min read


Watsco Reports Stable First Quarter 2026 Performance Amid Market Transition
Watsco US: Watsco Inc. reported revenue of US$1.53 billion for the first quarter of 2026, remaining broadly flat compared to the previous year, reflecting stabilising conditions in the HVAC distribution market. Gross profit stood at US$428 million, with operating income declining slightly to US$110 million, while net income reached approximately US$79 million. Earnings per share decreased to US$1.87, indicating marginal pressure on profitability despite steady pricing gains.
brg_news_room
Apr 281 min read


Watsco Announces Acquisition of Jackson Supply Company in US
Watsco US: Watsco Inc. has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Jackson Supply Company, a major HVAC distributor operating across the United States Sunbelt region. Jackson Supply recorded annual sales of US$230 million in 2025 and serves approximately 5,000 customers through a network of 25 locations across states, including Texas, Louisiana, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Arizona. The acquisition is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, s
brg_news_room
Apr 281 min read


Younger Generations Reshape Home Design Towards Functionality and Flexibility
Younger Generations Reshape Home Design Towards Functionality and Flexibility USA: Younger generations, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, are reshaping home design priorities towards functionality, adaptability and long-term usability, according to insights shared at the 2026 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show. Influenced by financial pressures, housing instability and broader uncertainty, they prefer efficient and flexible spaces over large or decorative ones. Premium design is
brg_news_room
Apr 271 min read


U.S. Housing Market Adapts to Higher Rates as Affordability Pressures Persist
U.S. Housing Market Adapts to Higher Rates as Affordability Pressures Persist USA: The housing market has not experienced the expected post-rate-hike reset, according to a report. Higher mortgage rates have cooled demand and increased supply, but they have not delivered significant price relief, leaving affordability under strain. Analysts suggest the market has instead adjusted to a new normal of higher borrowing costs, limited supply balance and persistently elevated prices
brg_news_room
Apr 271 min read


Demographic Trends Set to Drive Growth in Kitchen and Bathroom Renovation Market
Demographic Trends Set to Drive Growth in Kitchen and Bathroom Renovation Market USA: The kitchen and bathroom renovation market is expected to grow in 2026, driven by several demographic and financial factors, according to the National Kitchen & Bath Association. Record home equity, an ageing population and a strong focus on ageing-in-place upgrades are key drivers of demand. Older homeowners, who are less likely to move, are investing in long-term renovations such as access
brg_news_room
Apr 271 min read


Johnson Controls Acquires Nantum AI to Strengthen OpenBlue
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
brg_news_room
Apr 271 min read


Electrolux and Midea Form Joint Ventures in North America
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
brg_news_room
Apr 241 min read


Renovation Spending Holds Firm as Homeowners Prioritise Long-Term Living Spaces in 2026 Outlook
Renovation Spending Holds Firm as Homeowners Prioritise Long-Term Living Spaces in 2026 Outlook USA: Home renovation activity in the United States remained strong in 2025, with 54% of homeowners undertaking projects, according to the Houzz & Home Study 2026. Median spending stayed at $20,000, although high-end renovations increased, with the top 10% reaching $150,000. However, planned spending for 2026 has softened to $15,000, reflecting a more cautious outlook. The study hig
brg_news_room
Apr 211 min read


LG Electronics Launches California Training Academy for Next-Gen HVAC Innovation
LG Logo USA: Global HVAC technology leader LG Electronics marked the grand opening of its new LG Air Conditioning Technologies Training Academy in Orange. The ribbon-cutting ceremony coincided with the conclusion of California Heat Pump Week, highlighting LG’s commitment to advancing energy-efficient HVAC solutions. Attendees at the launch were given an early preview of LG’s 2026 high-efficiency HVAC lineup, including water heating and control solutions designed to improve co
brg_news_room
Apr 211 min read


Trane Technologies Launches World’s Largest HVAC Training Facility
Trane Technologies Launches World’s Largest HVAC Training Facility USA: Trane Technologies has inaugurated the Trane Advanced Technology Training Center (ATTC) in Davidson, North Carolina, marking the world’s largest and most advanced HVAC training facility. Spanning 45,000 square feet, the centre is designed to strengthen technical expertise as HVAC systems become increasingly complex and connected. The facility can train up to 4,500 students annually, offering over 100,00
brg_news_room
Apr 211 min read


Chile Launches Public Consultation for New HFC Refrigerant Emission Standard
Chile Launches Public Consultation for New HFC Refrigerant Emission Standard CHILE: Chile’s Ministry of the Environment has initiated a public consultation process to gather technical, scientific, and economic input for developing a new hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) emission standard. The Ozone Unit is seeking data on refrigerant usage, alternative technologies, emissions reduction methods, and sectoral practices, particularly in large-scale refrigeration systems. Submissions are o
brg_news_room
Apr 211 min read


Construction Investment Declines in February
Construction Investment Declines in February CANADA: Building construction investment fell by $503.2 million (2.1%) in February compared with January. The overall decline was driven by reduced residential spending, which dropped by $552.3 million to $16.0 billion. However, single-family construction provided some support, increasing by $77.7 million (1.1%) to $7.4 billion, partially offsetting a sharper contraction in multi-family housing investment. Source: Hardlines
brg_news_room
Apr 191 min read
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