Solstice and A-Gas Partner to Expand Low-GWP Refrigerant Supply in Europe BELGIUM: Solstice Advanced Materials and A-Gas have formed a strategic partnership to increase the availability of low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants and promote refrigerant circularity across Europe. The collaboration will combine reclaimed hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) with Solstice’s hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) to produce lower-GWP refrigerant blends for existing refrigeration systems, reducin

Samsung Electronics Forecasts Strong Second-Quarter 2026 Performance SOUTH KOREA: Samsung Electronics has projected robust financial results for the second quarter of 2026, supported by continued business momentum across its operations. The company expects consolidated sales of approximately US$112.1 billion and operating profit of around US$58.6 billion, based on preliminary earnings guidance. Sales are estimated to range between US$111.4 billion and US$112.7 billion, while

Daikin Selects India as Global R&D Hub for Data Centre Cooling Solutions INDIA: Daikin Industries Ltd has announced plans to establish a new research and development subsidiary, Daikin Research and Development India Private Limited, in Haryana, strengthening India's role as a global innovation hub for HVAC technologies. Scheduled for completion by June 2028, the new R&D centre will focus on developing advanced heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning solutions for Asia, Oce

EDF Commits €80 Million to Expand Cooling Solutions in French Schools and Nurseries FRANCE: EDF has announced an €80 million (around US$91.2 million) funding initiative to help schools, nurseries, and leisure centres across France install cooling systems as the country experiences increasingly frequent heat waves. Through the "Je passe à l'électrique" programme, EDF will allocate €40 million (around US$40.7 million) by September 2026 to subsidise the installation of fans, mis

Daikin Applied Invests US$30 Million in HVAC Training Facility USA: Daikin Applied has broken ground on a US$30 million Solutions & Technical Institute in Plymouth, Minnesota, as part of its efforts to address the growing shortage of skilled HVAC professionals. Scheduled to open in 2027, the 64,000-square-foot facility will provide hands-on training using more than 50 fully operational HVAC units and offer up to 120 specialised training programmes covering advanced controls,

Carrier Appoints Thomas Donato President of Climate Solutions Europe UNITED STATES: Carrier Global Corporation has announced the appointment of Thomas Donato as President of its Climate Solutions Europe segment, succeeding Thomas Heim, who is stepping down from the role. Donato joins Carrier with extensive experience in industrial technology leadership, most recently serving as CEO of Bosch Power Tools and previously holding senior positions at Bosch Rexroth, Rockwell Automat

Nordic Climate Group Expands UK Presence with Acquisition of Kool It Services UNITED KINGDOM: Nordic Climate Group has strengthened its position in the UK market through the acquisition of Manchester-based Kool It Services Ltd, a provider of cooling and heating installation, service and maintenance solutions for commercial buildings. Founded in 1972, Kool It has built a strong regional presence through long-standing customer relationships, technical expertise and a reputation

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

LUVE Expands Texas Manufacturing Facility to Support Growing US Cooling and Data Centre Demand USA: LUVE has expanded its production facility in Jacksonville, Texas, adding 20,000 m² of manufacturing space and increasing the site's total footprint to more than 30,000 m². The investment is aimed at supporting rising demand for cooling solutions across data centres, power generation and refrigeration applications. The company plans to recruit approximately 200 additional employ

NIBE Reports Stable Q1 Growth and Improved Operating Profitability SWEDEN: NIBE delivered a resilient start to 2026, with Q1 sales remaining broadly stable at approximately US$ 1.01 billion, while profitability improved significantly. Operating profit increased to around US$ 91 million, up from US$ 82 million a year earlier, lifting the operating margin to 9.0% from 8.1%. Net profit rose to approximately US$ 53 million, supported by organic sales growth, effective cost manage

HORNBACH Group Reports Robust Performance and Continues Strategic Expansion GERMANY: HORNBACH Group reported solid results for FY2025/26 despite a challenging consumer environment and rising costs. Net sales increased by 3.8% to approximately US$ 7.2 billion, supported by strong performance in its DIY retail business and a 7.1% increase in online sales. Market shares expanded across key European markets, including Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, and the Czech

SRS Distribution Completes Acquisition of HVAC Distributor Mingledorff’s USA: SRS Distribution Inc., a subsidiary of The Home Depot, has completed the acquisition of Mingledorff's LLC, a major HVAC distributor operating 42 locations across five southeastern US states. The acquisition adds HVAC distribution as a new business vertical for SRS and strengthens The Home Depot’s professional contractor strategy. The deal enhances access to HVAC equipment, parts and supplies for res

Johnson Controls International Reports Strong Q2 2026 Performance IRELAND: Johnson Controls International plc reported strong fiscal Q2 2026 results, supported by rising demand for HVAC, data centre and energy-efficiency solutions. Quarterly sales increased 8% to USD 6.1 billion, while organic sales grew 6%. Adjusted EPS rose to USD 1.19 from USD 0.82 a year earlier, and orders increased 30% organically. The company’s backlog reached a record USD 20 billion, up 26% year-on-ye

Johnson Controls International Expands Denmark Heat Pump Hub to Boost European Manufacturing Capacity DENMARK: Johnson Controls International plc has expanded its Holme, Aarhus facility in Denmark, adding 2,300 m² of production space and an 1,800 m² testing and customer centre to double heat pump manufacturing and validation capacity. The site, powered by 100% green energy, focuses on large-scale industrial heat pumps and chillers for district heating, healthcare, research an

Duravit AG Confirms Michael Demmer as Chief Executive Officer GERMANY: Duravit AG has officially appointed Michael Demmer as CEO and Chairman of the Management Board following his interim leadership role. The decision, approved by the Supervisory Board on 29 April 2026, reflects confidence in his strategic vision for the company’s future. Duravit plans to strengthen its position as a premium bathroom brand through sustainable value creation, operational efficiency, and global

SD Heat Exchangers Strengthens Danfoss Partnership to Support Benelux Energy Transition NETHERLANDS: Danfoss has expanded its strategic partnership with SD Heat Exchangers B.V. through a new distributor agreement covering the Benelux heating market. Building on their existing collaboration in plate heat exchangers, the partnership now includes Danfoss’ wider heating portfolio, such as control valves, motorized valves, and energy meters. The agreement aims to strengthen soluti

Villeroy & Boch Restructures its Management Team FRANCE: Villeroy & Boch is reshaping its management structure as Chairwoman of the Executive Board Gabi Schupp steps down after the Annual General Meeting for personal reasons. Her departure follows the successful integration of Ideal Standard and broader transformation efforts that have strengthened the group’s strategic position. The company will continue executing its existing strategy under a streamlined four-member Executi

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

Clas Ohlson Reports 11% Increase in Turnover SWITZERLAND: Clas Ohlson reported an 11% year-on-year increase in turnover for March 2026, reaching SEK 902 million (US$83.1 million). The Swedish home improvement retailer said 8% of the growth came from organic sales, while acquisitions contributed 2%, with no material currency impact. For the period from May 2025 to March 2026, total revenue rose 7% to SEK 11.6 billion (US$1.07 billion). Organic growth contributed 9%, acquisitio

PT Aspirasi Hidup Indonesia Tbk Accelerates Expansion and Diversifies Portfolio in 2025 INDONESIA: PT Aspirasi Hidup Indonesia Tbk strengthened its retail footprint and diversified its business portfolio in 2025, marking a key year in its transformation strategy. The company opened 27 new AZKO stores, expanding into 15 new regions including eastern Indonesia, bringing its total network to 265 stores across 90 cities. It also launched a new affordable home and lifestyle brand,