Elica presents the 2022 Sustainability Report

Elica spa has published the 2022 edition of the Sustainability Report under the slogan “Aspira, Inspira” which represents the ability to continuously imagine innovative and sustainable solutions for the future because every great idea, just like every great company, is born from an inspiration . Improving air quality has always been the starting point. Inspiring people and your target market is the next step.
Despite the difficult context, Elica achieved particularly challenging goals in 2022, breaking its own records for the second consecutive year. The consolidation of its global leadership was made possible by excellent management and financial performance and by a strategic “Sustainability Roadmap” based on three pillars: production and products with low environmental impact, people and governance.
During 2022, the Group used 100% renewable energy in almost all of its production sites in Italy and Poland. This policy has been accompanied by some energy efficiency projects which have contributed to further limiting our carbon footprint.

GE Appliances presents the smart oven with no preheat

GE Profile™ launches its new . Innovative Zero Preheat Technology makes it the first and only countertop oven with no preheat for all modes, directly targeting food so the optimal temperature is reached more quickly without having to wait around for the oven to warm up. On top of this, it leads others in the industry with temperatures that reach up to 500°F, which are ideal for foods like pizza or a high-heat roast. The 11 smart, preset functions include Air Fry, Warm, Toast, Broil, Roast, Pastry, Reheat, Pizza, Cookies, Bake and Bagel.

«We know that time is one of the largest barriers to cooking delicious food at home, so we made a product that virtually eliminates the roadblock by removing preheating from the process – said Andre Zdanow, executive director of small appliances at GE Appliances -.With features like 11 no-preheat cooking modes, high heat temperatures, and guided recipes, the smart oven with no preheat is the ideal all-in-one solution for all modern cooks,from those who are trying to quickly get dinner on the table to those trying a new recipe for the first time.»

The model may sit on the counter, but it features a full-size oven-like capacity large enough to make a 12” pizza, a 13”x9” sheet cake or up to 8 pounds of chicken. It features the one-touch high-rise door that gives extra clearance on the countertop and avoids the need to reach over a hot door to remove food from the oven, all with one simple touch. And the signature GE Profile notification light bar displays the status and progress of cooking. The comapany’s smart oven with no preheat is Wi-Fi Connected with SmartHQ™. It is available in a Carbon Black finish.

Whirlpool Corporation named one of Fortune’s Most Innovative Companies for 2023

Whirlpool Corporation named one of Fortune’s Most Innovative Companies for 2023 Awards, Brand and Product, Innovation

Whirlpool Corporation’s innovative products for 2023: washer for pets with a dog in the photo, a washer with 2-in-1 agitator, a third rack dishwasher, and an oven with air fryer, announcing one of Furtune’s most innovative companies sin 2023

Whirlpool Corporation has been recognized by Fortune as one of America’s Most Innovative Companies in 2023. The inaugural list celebrates companies that have demonstrated success across three areas, including product innovation, process innovation, and innovation culture.

“A spirit of innovation is embedded in our culture and we are proud to be named one of Fortune‘s most innovative companies,” said Marc Bitzer, chairman and CEO of Whirlpool Corp. “With a diverse and growing product portfolio across several trusted U.S. brands, this recognition is a testament to our employees who work tirelessly to create innovative solutions that improve life at home for consumers.”

The best and the brightest engineers and designers, collaborating globally on shared appliance architectures, have been able to unleash innovation in its truest sense and help shape the modern home.”
For more than 111 years, Whirlpool Corp.’s innovation strategy has changed how people around the world care for their families and loved ones — from cooking and entertaining to laundry and household chores. The company is committed to sustainable manufacturing, environmental and social responsibility, leading-edge design, unparalleled craftsmanship, and leveraging emerging digital technologies.

“From the first electric wringer washer in 1911 to our current line-up of leading-edge home appliances, we are obsessed with developing technology that is purposeful in saving time or eliminating work for consumers,” said Roberto H. Campos, senior vice president of Whirlpool Corp.’s Global Product Organization. “The best and the brightest engineers and designers, collaborating globally on shared appliance architectures, have been able to unleash innovation in its truest sense and help shape the modern home.”

In the past two years, Whirlpool Corp. launched several innovative new products, including the Maytag® Pet Pro System, the Whirlpool 2 in 1 Washer with Removable Agitator, a revolutionary large capacity third rack for dishwashers, and added air fry functionality to select smart ovens via an over-the-air update. The company also announced it plans to bring Matter support to its smart appliance models and continues to find innovative solutions to accelerate its ESG strategy, most recently announcing Zero Waste to Landfill Gold or Platinum status (self-certification) at 29 of 29 large manufacturing sites worldwide.

To develop the list, Fortune partnered with Statista Inc., a leading provider of market and consumer data, to survey internal and external stakeholders who have direct exposure to company processes, products, and culture. Statista also worked with LexisNexis PatentSight and used their platform to analyze the quantity and value of a company’s patents.

NEW COPPER FUNKY KETTLE

Work has started on a new Funky Kettle 2 which will include a Strix Stealth Controller for added noise reduction as well as an aluminium die cast premium on off switch. The Funky Kettle 2 has a full stainless steel body and also has a knob on the lid for the first time. In this copper colour it will look absolutely stunning alongside the new Copper Funky Toaster.

Middleby UK to further drive Marco into the UK market

Marco Beverage Systems will now be supplied into the UK market by Middleby UK, after Middleby Corporation acquired the company in December 2022.

Marco design and manufacture some of the leading beverage dispensing systems in the industry. Their product portfolio includes coffee brewers, cold brew dispensers, and a variety of hot, cold and sparkling water dispensers. The POUR’D cold coffee dispenser received the Best New Product 2022 award from the Speciality Coffee Association.

The brand will make an excellent addition to Middleby UK’s ever-growing catalogue of solutions, and reinforces the idea that Middleby UK can be a complete one-stop-shop for equipping a foodservice establishment.

Middleby Corporation’s CEO, Tim FitzGerald has noted that “touchless and in-counter dispense technology is rapidly gaining popularity due to space and labour advantages, along with enhanced aesthetic features. Marco is well-positioned with solutions for these growing trends.”

Marco, who are based in Dublin, Ireland have been operating for more than 40 years and have a great understanding of the kind of beverage dispensing solutions that are ideal for the market. With Middleby UK’s knowledge and experience of driving brands and products into the UK market, we are sure that Marco can be taken to the next level.

GE Smart appliances

GE Appliances has been named 𝙎𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝘼𝙥𝙥𝙡𝙞𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙔𝙚𝙖𝙧 for the fifth year in a row!

Whether we’re building on the momentum of our over-the-air oven upgrades with Steakhouse Mode or introducing the first-ever washer with built-in Alexa, we keep leading the way in #smarthome leadership for our customers & consumers.

Collaboration agreement between Copreci and Ikerlan

The Ikerlan technology centre and Copreci (design and manufacture of components and systems for household appliances) have signed a technological collaboration agreement for the next four years that will allow the development of innovations in electronics, providing robustness, efficiency and maintainability requirements to the basic functionality. In addition, the products developed will integrate cybersecurity and artificial intelligence technologies that will result in products with greater added value, which are more resilient and user-friendly. “The agreement – Copreci explains – will enable technological development in the household appliance sector and includes the development of technology in the areas of electromagnetism, electrical machines and power electronics, for the design and integral development of small electric drives, motor control strategies, contactless charging systems for household appliances (Inductive Coupling Power Transfer) or induction heating systems for household appliances, among others”. This new alliance between Copreci and Ikerlan strengthens the close relationship that both entities have maintained for more than 45 years. Ikerlan has extensive experience in the development of cutting-edge technologies in electromagnetism and power electronics. It has also participated in various European research projects such as: the UltimateGaN project (based on gallium nitride semiconductors), Reaction (based on silicon carbide semiconductors for energy technologies) or InductIce (application for de-icing aircraft wings by means of induction heating).

Electrolux invests 110 million in Susegana

If the unions accept measures aimed at increasing productivity, the Treviso plant could become the European hub in the production of mid-range built-in refrigerators with an annual production of 1.1 million pieces Electrolux is considering investing 110 million euros in the period 2024-2026 to produce built-in refrigerators by expanding the Susegana plant. As reported by Il Sole 24 Ore on 29 November, the announcement of the Susegana option came after Electrolux last year, bet 102 million euros on the dishwasher factory in Solaro (Milan)

Electrolux had announced,,the closure of the Hungarian factory in Nyíregyháza, the largest in Europe dedicated to the production of refrigerators.

In return, however, the Swedish company has asked the unions to improve productivity. In a meeting with the union representatives (Fiom, Fim and Uilm), the company explained the project to make Susegana a reference point for the production of built-in refrigerators.

In the high-end range, products with retail prices above a thousand euros, the new products of the Genesi platform are producing results in line with the multinational’s expectations. Now Electrolux wants to reduce costs in productions aimed at the mid-market segment.110 million euros of investments will go to a new Genesi line, which would be the third, and then to redo and modernize the technological departments, optimizing logistics and supply flows.

Electrolux has explained to the unions that it will be necessary to reach by 2027 the production of 1.1 million pieces per year through a significant number of permanent hirings.

Miele continues to grow – and builds production plant in the USA

Miele have announced an important step for future growth: With the new plant in the USA, we will manufacture the special range cookers and ovens for the USA, Canada and Mexico in close proximity to the market. This will not only save on shipping but will also free up new capacities at our existing production sites in Arnsberg, Bünde and Oelde. Start of production planned for end of 2024 / First expansion phase with
150 employees

The decision on the specific location will follow within the coming months

In order to continue and further strengthen its growth course, the Miele Group is expanding its production capacities. The next milestone is the Gütersloh-based family group’s first plant on the American continent, where ovens are to be manufactured for the USA, Canada and Mexico. For the world’s leading manufacturer of premium domestic appliances and machines for commercial use, this is the eighth production site outside Germany, out of a total of 16 plants.

Thanks to its high-quality ovens, hobs, steam cookers, cooker hoods and other attractive products, the business unit Cooking has been one of the Miele Group’s most important growth drivers for many years – most recently generating more than € 1.1 bn in sales, representing an increase of almost 13%. “We are planning for further increases in unit sales in the coming years,” says Dr. Uwe Brunkhorst, Senior Vice President Business Unit Cooking, “and this means that our current production sites in Arnsberg, Bünde and Oelde are approaching the limits of their capacities”.

There are several good reasons behind our decision to produce in the USA in future. “Even today, the United States represent Miele’s biggest market outside Germany, with considerable growth rates recently but still plenty of potential”, says Dr. Axel Kniehl, Executive Director Marketing & Sales with the Miele Group. Manufacturing locally is therefore a logical step and sends out a strong signal to our customers there. This also dispenses with the need to ship appliances across the Atlantic: “This reduces delivery times from currently up to 10 weeks to only a few days, whilst at the same time protecting the environment”, says Dr. Stefan Breit, Executive Director Technology. In order to further reduce CO2 emissions, the majority of supplier parts will also come from the USA.

In a first step, at this new plant, Miele will manufacture 30-inch ovens and large, versatile range cookers, both designed specifically for North America. Large-format cooker hoods will be added later. Production is scheduled to start at the end of 2024; in a first step, the workforce will grow to 150 employees by the end of 2025. A decision on the precise location will be made and communicated over the coming months. What a second stage expansion might look like, with a view to further product groups and the personnel required for this, will be reviewed at a later date.

Today, production within the business unit Cooking is distributed as follows: Hobs and steam ovens as well as warmer drawers come from the Bünde plant (approx. 730 employees), cooker hoods are manufactured in Arnsberg (approx. 250 employees) and conventional ovens and dialogue ovens come from Oelde (approx. 670 employees), all situated in Germany. The particularly versatile steam ovens are produced in Bünde or Oelde, depending on the model. The Production of the large-format series to the new plant will not in any way weaken Arnsberg, Bünde or Oelde. On the contrary: “We will become more efficient through less complexity and at the same time free up the urgently needed capacities for future growth with the remaining model series”, says Uwe Brunkhorst.

Including the new plant, the Miele Group’s international production network will then comprise a total of 16 plants, eight of them in Germany and one each in Austria, China, the Czech Republic, Romania, Poland and the USA. In addition to this, there are also two plants belonging to the Italian medical technology subsidiary Steelco Group.