UK Ceramics Industry Seeks Support Amid Rising Energy Costs UK: The ceramics industry in the United Kingdom has raised concerns over rising energy costs, policy-related expenses and weakening demand across several end-use sectors, warning that these pressures are affecting manufacturers throughout the supply chain. Represented by Ceramics UK, the sector includes producers of bricks, sanitary ware, refractories, healthcare components, aerospace materials and other industrial p

Clerici Group Targets EUR 1 Billion Revenue Milestone Italy: The Clerici Group, an Italy-based distributor of plumbing and heating products, bathroom furnishings, flooring and wall coverings, is targeting revenue of more than EUR 1 billion (USD 1.14 billion; EUR 1 billion) by 2026. The company reported revenue of EUR 863 million (USD 984 million; EUR 863 million) in 2025, representing an increase of 7.6% compared with the previous year. The group’s growth strategy is centred

Qvantum Appoints Managing Director for France Expansion France: Qvantum has appointed Ghislain Bouillet as Managing Director for France as part of its expansion plans in the country. France is currently the largest heat pump market in Europe, supported by electrification initiatives, energy security measures and renovation programmes. The appointment forms part of Qvantum’s strategy to expand its presence across Europe and strengthen its activities in the heat pump sector. In

Sarajevo Advances District Heating Heat Pump Project Bosnia and Herzegovina: Sarajevo Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina, has secured EUR 0.5 million (USD 0.57 million; EUR 0.5 million) in grant funding from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to support the development of a heat pump project for the canton’s district heating system. The funding will be used to procure consultancy services for the main project related to the gas pipeline transmission syste

Spain’s Heating Market Shifts Towards Heat Pumps Spain: Property owners in Spain are increasingly evaluating heat pump installations as the European Union moves forward with plans to phase out fossil fuel-based heating systems under the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. Spain is expected to progressively end new gas heating installations from 2025, with a targeted deadline of 2029. While existing gas boilers can continue operating, replacement options will become mor

RHOSS Highlights Heat Pump Focus Amid Growing Decarbonisation Efforts Italy: RHOSS has outlined the growing role of heat pumps in supporting building decarbonisation as European regulations continue to encourage the adoption of low-emission heating technologies. The company stated that heat pumps are becoming an increasingly important component of the European Union’s climate objectives, supported by policy initiatives such as the “Fit for 55” framework. Alongside heating and

Danfoss Announces EUR 10 Million Investment in French Heat Pump Components Facility France: Danfoss has announced an additional investment of EUR 10 million (USD 11.3 million) in its production facility in Reyrieux, France, where the company manufactures components used in heat pumps. The latest commitment follows investments totalling EUR 61 million (USD 68.9 million) made at the site between 2015 and 2025. The investment was announced during the Choose France Summit hosted

IKEA FRANCE: Ingka Group, the largest IKEA retailer, is accelerating its retail expansion by entering new locations to improve accessibility and affordability for customers. As part of its renewed emphasis on its core retail operations, the company is continuing the rollout of a compact store format, which has been piloted since 2025 across selected European markets and the U.S. Following launches in the UK, Poland, and the U.S., IKEA France has opened its first two compact s

Modern Bathroom The trend towards showers has been a longstanding shift in most countries, particularly across Western Europe, where it began gaining momentum in the late 1990s and early 2000s. This transition has been driven by changing consumer lifestyles, increasing urbanisation, and a growing preference for convenience, speed, and water efficiency. Compared to bathtubs, showers are perceived as more practical for daily use, especially among working households and in small

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

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

France Accelerates Electrification Drive Under National Energy Transition Plan France: French President Emmanuel Macron convened representatives of the electricity sector at the Élysée Palace as part of a broader electrification strategy aimed at reducing CO2 emissions in transport and lowering dependence on imported fossil fuels. The government recently unveiled a 22-measure electrification plan focused on electric mobility, industry, transport, and buildings, with an object

UK Government Announces EUR 142 Million Support Package for Ceramics Sector UK: The UK Government has announced a EUR 142 million support package for the ceramics sector as part of wider measures aimed at supporting industrial resilience and manufacturing. The funding will support capital investment in energy efficiency and decarbonisation projects, while also providing operational assistance for eligible manufacturers facing increased costs. The scheme will be open to UK cer

AC UK: An estimated four million homes in the UK are now equipped with air conditioning, representing a twofold increase compared to three years ago, as rising temperatures have led many households to report increasingly uncomfortable living conditions during summer heatwaves. Portable air-conditioning units, typically rated at around 1kW, remain slightly more common than fixed systems, which generally consume higher power, averaging about 2.7kW. Industry experts attribute th

Heat Pump POLAND: Daikin Europe N.V. has officially inaugurated Daikin Manufacturing Poland a new heat pump production facility located in the Łódź region of Poland. The inauguration ceremony was attended by representatives from the Polish government, the Japanese Ambassador to Poland, local authorities, suppliers, and project partners, along with senior executives from Daikin Industries Ltd., Daikin Europe, and Daikin Manufacturing Poland, highlighting the collaborative effo

Paloma Rheem Holdings Completes Majority Stake Acquisition in Groupe Atlantic Japan: Paloma Rheem Holdings Co., Ltd. (PRH) has completed the acquisition of a majority stake in France-based HVAC and water heating manufacturer Groupe Atlantic. The transaction expands PRH’s presence in the European market and brings Groupe Atlantic into collaboration with other PRH group companies, including Paloma, General and Rheem. PRH stated that the acquisition strengthens its position acro