Monthly Archives: March 2020

Chinese Factories Face New Threat: US Anti-Virus Controls

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Factories in China, struggling to reopen after the coronavirus shut down the economy, face a new threat from U.S. anti-disease controls that might disrupt the flow of microchips and other components they need.

The shock threatens to set back the ruling Communist Party’s efforts to revive the world’s second-largest economy after it declared victory over the outbreak. It would add to pressures on global business activity as Western countries close workplaces, limit travel and tell consumers to stay home.

Chinese manufacturers assemble more than 80% of smartphones for Apple, Samsung and other brands, half of the world’s personal computers and a big share of home appliances.

China’s Hisense to close its European factories over coronavirus

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Chinese home appliances maker Hisense (will close all its European factories from March 23 to April 4 in response to the coronavirus outbreaks in Europe, Slovenia-based Hisense Gorenje said on Friday.
6thIt said the company has sufficient materials to continue production but has decided to stop it to help reduce the spread of the virus and protect the health of its employees.The company has factories in Slovenia, Serbia and the Czech Republic producing washing machines, dryers and cookers.Hisense Gorenje is among the five largest exporters in Slovenia. The country, which borders Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia, has so far confirmed 341 coronavirus cases, and one death.

Electrolux adapts manufacturing to offset difficulties with supply

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Electrolux believes there is a considerable risk of a material financial impact during the first half of 2020.
In the fourth quarter interim report 2019, published on January 31, 2020, the company said that an extended period of supply chain disruptions in China related to the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) could potentially have a material financial impact on Electrolux.

Now, given the rapid spread of the virus, impacting markets where Electrolux has a significant presence in terms of production and sales, the company believes the risks related to this have increased materially. These risks include supply chain disruptions, government countermeasures and changing consumer behavior. It is currently not possible to predict the duration or scope of the crisis, and therefore the full potential impact.

“We’re stepping up our efforts to encourage more employees to work remotely and we’re reshaping the way we work at manufacturing sites in highly impacted areas to ensure the health and safety of our people. At the same time, we of course want to safeguard the needs of our consumers and trade partners,” says Jonas Samuelson, President and CEO of Electrolux, in a press release.

The initial outbreak in China, where Electrolux sources significant volumes of finished products and components for all its business areas, has caused delays in deliveries, higher logistics costs and somewhat lower demand in East Asia in the first quarter 2020. However, the company says that it has worked to mitigate the impact and the situation among Chinese suppliers is now steadily improving. Based on these developments, Electrolux does not currently expect material effects from this alone going forward.

The coronavirus outbreak in northern Italy is also impacting the Electrolux Group. Electrolux consumer business has five manufacturing sites in Italy, accounting for around one quarter of its European production volume and approximately 10% of global volumes. Furthermore, Electrolux purchases components for sites across Europe, but also other parts of the world from suppliers in northern Italy. This of course translates to that there may be supply chain disturbances because of temporarily reduced industrial activity in the region.

Electrolux says that it from the very beginning took extensive measures in Italy to ensure the health and safety of its employees, and the spread of the coronavirus has not yet caused major disruptions to its operations in the country. The situation is however developing rapidly, and the company has now implemented additional measures to adapt manufacturing in Italy to a reduced production pace.

The reduced pace will also adapt the output of products to be more in line with expected sales volumes in the near future.

Electrolux operations in France has also been hit heavily by the pandemic. Since March 15, 2020, for example, French authorities have increased their countermeasures, and Electrolux Professional has started to experience difficulties in receiving components to, as well as in the outbound flow of products, its manufacturing units in France. As a response to this the company is implementing additional measures to adapt manufacturing at the affected sites to reduce production, including temporary closures.

Liebherr launches first Flagship Store in Asia Pacific | SGD35,000 Bespoke Luxe Refrigerator Showcasing in Singapore Launch Party

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German Cooling Appliances Specialist launches its luxury products in Asia The store is a showcase of heritage and excellence that is reflected not only in the engineering but also in the design of the appliances for over 60 years. Headquartered in Singapore, Liebherr will be bringing to Asia its commercially popular high-end refrigerators, freezers and wine cabinets.

On top of its forte and niche in state of the art cooling systems, its bespoke service enables consumers to customize their appliances with sizing options, functionality options, luxury accessories and more.

Asia is home to the largest pool of growing wealth in the world where luxe living serves as a norm in rising economy powerhouse like China and India. In 2018, Asia’s ultra-wealthy population grew by 18.5 percent and their total wealth shot up by 26.7 percent, twice the rate seen in the U.S., the World Ultra Wealth Report 2018 found. The combined riches of Asia’s ultra-wealthy now total a staggering $8.365 trillion, based on analysis of Wealth-X’s database of wealthy individuals.

For more than 70 years, the Liebherr Group stands for a large evolving range of sophisticated products and services. The Domestic Appliances division was founded in 1954 and the family business has operated under the outstanding stewardship of the Liebherr family. Every part within a Liebherr appliance is produced and assembled in their European factories till date. Please see Appendix A for history of Liebherr.

Mr Steffen Nagel, Managing Director Sales & Marketing of Liebherr-Hausgeräte GmbH says “We’re excited to enter the Asian market through Singapore and bring to the world top German products

LG Electronics to Launch Intelligent Direct Drive Washing Machine

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LG Electronics will launch the LG Trom Washing Machine ThinQ, an artificial intelligence-based direct drive (DD) washing machine, in the Korean market on March 12.

The new washer senses the weight of clothes and uses big data to check the material of the clothes and selects the optimal washing method. For example, in the case of a delicate textile, a user can select shaking and kneading hand motions to protect the cloth.

Consumers can use convenient functions by connecting the new product to LG ThinQ, a home appliance management application, using a Wi-Fi connection. The smart pairing function of LG ThinQ allows the washing machine to send washing course information to the LG Tromm Dryer Steam ThinQ launched on March 5 and the dryer sets up a drying course.

Its smart care feature allows the washer to remember your laundry habits and set your favorite washing options. This function analyzes the last five washing methods used and selects options used three times or more. In addition, the washer is convenient to use as it sets an optimal washing option by taking into consideration weather and fine dust information.

Miele increases turnover by 3.2%

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After realignment of its business year, Miele reports sales of € 2.24 bn for July to December 2019 stub business year

New subsidiaries launch with smart business models

In the second half of 2019, the Miele Group achieved a turnover of € 2.24 bn – 3.2% more than in the previous year. ‘This is once again evidence that we are well positioned with our products and services to increase turnover and gain market shares under challenging conditions and intense competition in the marketplace’, according to the Executive Board of the world’s leading manufacturer of premium domestic appliances. During the current year, this course for growth will be further consolidated – for example with kitchen appliances from the new Generation 7000 series, which will set standards in the market with numerous exclusive innovations. On December 31, 2019, Miele employed a workforce worldwide of 20,478 – more than ever before.

This publication of half-time figures is due to the fact that the Miele Group has changed its business year to coincide with the calendar year (instead of running from July 1 to June 30). This results in a one-off stub year. In particular, large European markets such as Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Italy and, after a long Brexit-related dry spell, Great Britain, contributed to this positive development. In the highly contested German market, Miele achieved turnover growth of 2.7%. In contrast, business in Hong Kong is suffering from political unrest. In China, state intervention has resulted in a subdued real estate market – also impacting business with high-quality kitchen equipment.

Amongst the product groups, above all washing machines, tumble dryers and vacuum cleaners contributed most to sales growth. In laundry care, numerous detail improvements ensure increased user convenience: These include shorter programme cycles, the ability to add forgotten items of laundry at any time throughout the cycle and even the energy-efficient washing of individual garments. In the booming sector of rechargeable handsticks, the Triflex HX1 has got off to a very successful market start. Across all product groups, campaign models marking 120 years of Miele (Series 120) resulted in significant additional impetus. With its built-in appliances from the new Generation 7000, Miele is reasserting its leading role in the fields of innovation, design and lifestyle pleasures in the kitchen. With 3,000 model versions spanning 15 product groups worldwide, now off to a very promising start in almost all countries, this amounts to the biggest product launch in the history of the company.

Above-average growth during the reporting period was recorded by Miele Professional with machines and services for commercial operations, medical facilities and laboratories, and its Italian medical technology subsidiary Steelco. Steelco is in charge of the aspiring hospital project business within the Miele Group. Compact commercial washing machines and dryers for small businesses (Little Giants), which have been on the market since last year with a completely new model series, represent a further growth driver. In total, Professional turnover grew by more than 4%.

New impetus for growth and innovation

In order to exploit further sustainable growth potential, Miele has, as reported last October, undergone reorganisation – for example with 8 independent business units, remapped sales territories and a new location devoted to digital marketing which is currently being set up in Amsterdam (Digital Hub). The new production plant for washing machines, built by Miele in the Polish town of Ksawerów, has commenced operations on schedule. Miele Venture Capital GmbH, which brings together Miele’s stakes in promising start-ups, has further expanded its activities.

During the period under review alone, two new 100% subsidiaries were added to the portfolio: With the takeover of the business operations of Agrilution GmbH, Miele entered the future field of vertical farming – with stacked and digitally connected Plantcubes sporting an elegant design for private homes. With a minimum of effort, these offer the ideal growing conditions for, say, greens and herbs. Miele Operations & Payment Solutions GmbH offers a unique, app-based solution covering the furbishing, organisation, servicing and billing in shared laundry facilities (appWash). This can even go as far as assuming responsibility for the entire operation. This is aimed for example at student hostels, housing associations, multi-unit dwellings, campsites and launderettes. With these and other activities, Miele is pursuing its strategic goal of continuing to expand its portfolio and grow with innovative products and digital services which meaningfully complement its core business.

As per December 31, the Miele Group had 20,478 employees on its payroll. This amounted to 163 employees, or 0.8%, more than in the previous year. In Germany, Miele employs a workforce of 11,061, down 209 on the previous year.

Samsung, LG begin duel in South Korea dryer market

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Samsung Electronics Co. and LG Electronics Inc. have begun their duel in the local dryer market, industry observers said Saturday, as they released new products with upgraded artificial intelligence (AI) and sanitizing features.

Industry officials expect that South Korea’s clothes dryer market could grow up to 2 million units this year, and the two electronics giants have been claiming that they will take the lion’s share in the sector.

Samsung was the first one to make the move, launching its Grande AI range of dryers on Jan. 29.


Samsung said sales of the Grande AI dryer have topped 10,000 units just a month after its launch, which is double the pace of its previous 16-kilogram dryer models.

“We believe that the dryer’s upgraded AI system; better hygiene features against dust, water residue and rust; and its slim design have led to successful sales,” Samsung said.

Samsung’s Grande AI dryers are priced between 1.89 million won (US$1,580) and 1.99 million won in South Korea depending on options.

LG threw its hat into the ring on Thursday by launching its STEAM ThinQ dryer, emphasizing its “TrueSteam” technology that focuses on sterilizing bacteria and allergens.

Citing a test result from the Korea Apparel Testing & Research Institute, LG said its latest dryer’s sanitize cycle can kill over 99.9 percent of germs found in clothing.

To boost its sales, LG said it will give away an air refresher to those who purchase its dryers by the end of this month. Those who buy its dryers with other home appliances can also get cashback rewards, it added.

LG said its new dryer will sell for between 2 million won and 2.2 million won depending on options.

Industry insiders said LG will try to redeem its reputation in the dryer market with the latest product.

LG last year announced a voluntary recall of its clothes dryers sold in South Korea over the dryers’ automatic condenser cleaning system. The move came after a series of consumer complaints that too much lint and dust accumulated in the condenser, a part that removes humidity by circulating air inside the tumble dryer.

Hisense efficiency

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Hisense wants to showcase its most advanced and efficient household products, with the intention of respecting the environment. Therefore, it combines the best design, the latest innovation and the greatest efficiency to bring the latest advances to the users and favor the saving of energy consumption.

The company reinvests a significant amount of annual revenue in its 12 R&D centers around the world for the development of more efficient products and capable of leading an increasingly sustainable path. In addition, the company implements in its facilities recycling systems that contribute to the improvement of its profitability and allow the reuse of materials to reduce the environmental impact.

Among Hisense’s contributions to greater energy efficiency, the firm recommends regulating the temperature properly both at home and in the workplace. In this sense, determining the ideal temperature is easier thanks to the integration of wi-fi in models such as Brissa CA70BT01 . It is also important that they work with R-32, a pure refrigerant gas that has a low Atmospheric Heating Potential.

Hisense appliances, such as the WFGS1016VM A +++ washing machine (-20%) or the HS6130W Dishwasher , are committed to an A +++ rating. And the Inverter technology of products such as Brissa CA50XS01 can save energy and extend the life of appliances.

A connected home is a more responsible home, so the new Hisense appliances have ConnectLife, an application capable of offering reminders for the maintenance of registered devices, advice on food preparation and other useful household tricks. In addition, it integrates services and products offered by external partners, such as Alexa, Google or Siri.

Finally, it is essential to avoid bad habits of using appliances. For example, introducing hot foods into the refrigerator means 5% more energy consumption for each degree you need to cool. When cooking, the heat of food must be maintained at all times. A good example is the new Hisense induction hob, such as I6456C . Thanks to the programs it incorporates, you can keep the residual heat and keep the dishes warm and combine different cooking zones to create a single large cooking area.

Samsung Electronics have announced the release of its new Infinite Cooking range.

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Samsung Electronics have announced the release of its new Infinite Cooking range. Comprising of an oven, available in two colourways, and a Combi-hob, these new product innovations will be available in kitchen specialists across the UK and feature outstanding cooking technology combined with sleek, high-end design.The Samsung Infinite Cooking range of appliances reflect the demands of aspirational, millennial consumers who are looking for appliances that offer greater cooking flexibility without compromising on exceptional design. Understanding that the kitchen is the hub of the home, which is used not only for preparing food, but also for relaxing and entertaining, Samsung has developed a premium offering which encapsulates high-design principles and unrivalled functionality. The Infinite Cooking range provides millennials with sophisticated and minimalist appliances that look great in any kitchen, while also providing unparalleled cooking performance.Designed with vertical lines in mind, the Infinite Cooking oven blends seamlessly with kitchen units to create a premium, high-end look. The minimised, rectangular oven window, for example, is positioned vertically rather than horizontally, to create a harmonious flow with cabinets and other furnishings. This ensures that the oven subtly blends in with its surroundings, while the anti-glare glass also helps it to merge naturally with kitchen furniture. In line with the growing design trend for dark kitchens, the appliance is available in matte, graphite grey and glossy onyx black; colours which create an understated, sophisticated look that is complemented by the minimal user interface. The overall aesthetic is simple and modern, offering users a kitchen that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.Featuring Dual Cook Steam technology, the Infinite Cooking range is optimised to provide consumers with an unprecedented amount of cooking flexibility and control. The oven can be split into two separate cooking compartments, letting users cook multiple dishes simultaneously at different cooking modes, temperatures, and time settings. The Infinite Cooking ovens introduce steam cooking capability to the Dual Cook range, offering both Steam Assist and Full Steam options alongside a convection oven, allowing users to enjoy eight different cooking modes with just one appliance, taking convenience to a whole new level.“Our aim at Samsung is to create highly functional products that offer consumers real, tangible benefits, saving them time and energy. With the Infinite Cooking range, users can enjoy precise cooking control while also benefitting from the many advantages of being able to cook multiple dishes in the same oven. This is particularly convenient if you are cooking for people with different dietary requirements such as vegans and meat eaters, or if you are preparing more than one course at a time for a dinner party. The flexibility of the Infinite Cooking range proves incredibly helpful in a wide array of daily situations. Wi-Fi capabilities and a compatible smartphone app offer even greater ease of use, providing remote oven monitoring and control,” says Nick Bevan Head of Product Management for Digital Appliances.The Combi-Hob, also featured in the range, similarly blends unrivalled functionality with high end design. With a built-in hob and extractor fan, this two-in-one appliance saves space, while the flush fit and streamlined design not only looks sleek, but also enables easier maintenance. With two dual flex zones, users can enjoy greater convenience heating multiple pans at different temperatures.