Whirlpool Corporation has announced plans to invest $60 million in a new production facility in Perrysburg, Ohio—an expansion set to strengthen the region’s long‑established manufacturing base.
The project is expected to create 100 to 150 new jobs, reinforcing Whirlpool’s long‑term commitment to northwest Ohio, where it already operates several major production sites.
The new Perrysburg facility will manufacture washer and dryer components that will feed directly into Whirlpool’s operations in Findlay and Marion, supporting continued demand across its laundry portfolio.
Whirlpool’s investment marks another significant step in modernising its U.S. supply chain and expanding domestic production capacity at a time when appliance manufacturers are increasingly focused on resilience, efficiency, and regional growth.
RATIONAL Marks 1.5 Million Combi Ovens as It Celebrates 50 Years of Production
RATIONAL AG has reached a major manufacturing milestone, producing its 1.5 millionth combi oven exactly 50 years after the first unit left its production line.
The landmark oven, distinguished by a gold‑finished control dial, was completed in February and formally presented to the St. Nikolaus Children’s Hospice in Germany.
With an estimated 50% share of the global combi oven market, RATIONAL remains one of the most influential brands in professional cooking technology. The company calculates that chefs worldwide prepare around 180 million meals every day using its appliances.
RATIONAL UK Limited continues to play a key role in supporting the brand’s growth across the British foodservice sector.
Smeg Australia
Smeg Australia has opened a new flagship showroom in Alexandria, Sydney, designed to inspire, showcase, and let visitors experience the full range of Smeg appliances
Beko Europe Sets Out Bold New Vision at EuroCucina 2026
Beko Europe used EuroCucina 2026 to unveil a unified, design‑led vision for the “home of tomorrow,” with a striking stand created by MCA – Mario Cucinella Architects. The message: heritage, innovation, and purpose now drive the entire brand group.
CEO Akın Garzanlı highlighted a market under pressure from rising costs and global competition, stressing Europe’s role as a powerhouse for design, engineering, and manufacturing. Beko Europe is doubling down on investment in production, R&D, and design, aiming to compete on value—not price.
Italy remains the creative engine of the group, shaping everything from product testing to cooking innovation. Garzanlı called it “central to how we design, refine, and future‑proof our appliances.”
Dyson Hushjet
Dyson has unveiled the HushJet Mini Cool Fan, marking the brand’s first-ever portable, handheld cooling device.
Retailing at £99.99, the HushJet Mini Cool delivers a surprisingly powerful airflow for its size and includes a set of accessories that let you wear or carry it comfortably while on the move.
Philips Launches Baristina Latte With One‑Swipe Milk Frothing
Philips has introduced the Baristina Latte, a new addition to its Baristina line designed to make café‑style cappuccinos and lattes easier to prepare at home.
The machine features an intuitive milk‑frothing system with three pre‑set milk modes, producing smooth, velvety foam with a single swipe. It works with both dairy and plant‑based milks, aiming to deliver consistent results across preferences.
“Coffee is so much more than a drink you wake up to,” says Marloes Laan, CMO at Versuni. “Nearly 3 out of 4 people globally say coffee is a moment for themselves. With Baristina Latte, we make it easier than ever to create that moment at home, without complexity or compromise.”
The launch taps into the growing demand for simple, high‑quality home coffee solutions as consumers continue to elevate their daily routines.
LG Electronics Sets New Q1 Record: Strong Appliance Performance
LG Electronics has opened 2026 with a milestone: record-breaking first‑quarter revenues of 23.7 trillion won (€13.7 billion), the highest in the company’s history. The chaebol also reported operating profits of 1.67 trillion won (nearly €1 billion)—a solid increase compared to Q1 2025, despite a global climate still marked by uncertainty.
Household Appliances Remain a Growth Engine
LG’s core businesses—particularly home appliances—continue to deliver stable growth. What’s notable is how the company is achieving it. LG is increasingly shifting toward a leasing‑based business model, active in several Asian markets and the United States. Instead of selling appliances outright, LG offers long‑term operating leases, creating recurring revenue streams and deeper customer retention.
This model is proving profitable, especially as consumers seek flexibility and predictable costs in managing large household appliances.
Midea Closes 2025 With Double‑Digit Growth and Major Investment
Midea, one of the world’s most influential home appliance manufacturers, has wrapped up 2025 with a powerful financial performance and a bold push into next‑generation automation.
The Chinese giant reported 12% year‑on‑year sales growth, reaching 458 billion yuan (€58 billion). Shareholder profit climbed even faster, rising 14% to 44 billion yuan (€5.55 billion).
One of the standout figures in Midea’s latest results is its export performance. Overseas sales surged to 196 billion yuan (nearly €25 billion), now accounting for 43% of total revenue—a clear sign of the brand’s expanding global footprint.
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🌍 A Global Powerhouse in Core Appliance Components
Midea isn’t just a major appliance brand—it’s a foundational supplier to the global industry. The company remains:
– The world’s largest manufacturer of residential air‑conditioning compressors
– A leading producer of washing machine motors
These components power millions of appliances sold under dozens of brands worldwide, giving Midea a unique influence across the entire white goods ecosystem.
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🤖 A Massive Bet on Humanoid Robotics
Perhaps the most forward‑looking part of Midea’s 2025 strategy is its investment in robotics. The company has allocated 60 billion yuan (€7.6 billion) to research and development, with a significant portion directed toward humanoid robots.
These robots are already being deployed inside Midea’s factories, where they’re assisting with quality control tasks—a move that signals how quickly automation is evolving from concept to practical application in large‑scale manufacturing.
For the wider appliance industry, this shift could reshape everything from production efficiency to product reliability.
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🔍 What This Means for the Appliance Market
Midea’s 2025 results highlight several key trends worth watching:
– Global demand for appliances remains resilient, even in a competitive market.
– Component leadership gives Midea strategic leverage, especially as brands seek efficient, reliable supply chains.
– Robotics investment signals a long‑term shift toward smarter, more automated manufacturing.
– Export growth shows Midea’s increasing dominance in Europe, the Middle East, and emerging markets.
For retailers, manufacturers, and consumers, Midea’s trajectory suggests a future where appliances become more advanced, more efficient, and potentially more affordable as production technologies evolve.
Haier and Jiaxipera
Jiaxipera compressor was honored with the Strategic Partner Award at the Haier Smart Home Global Supplier Conference, recognizing our strong global delivery capabilities and technological innovation.
Electrolux Group ceases manufacturing in Chile
Electrolux Group has decided to close its factory in Santiago, Chile, effective end of April 2026. A restructuring charge of approximately SEK 0.5 billion, of which SEK 0.2 billion is cash-related, will be reported as a negative non-recurring item affecting operating income for Region Latin America in the first quarter of 2026.
The decision follows a review of the cost competitiveness of the Santiago factory and will impact approximately 400 employees
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