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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.

Haier Reopens Domestic Factories and Resumes Production at Full speed

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Following the strict measures put in place for the control and prevention of Covid-19, Haier Smart Home Co the world’s leading home appliance producer, has announced that all domestic factories in China have returned to full capacity as of February 25. The announcement comes after Haier’s continued efforts to maintain its global capacity, which saw the producer achieve an overall guarantee rate of over 90% on overseas orders during the outbreak.Haier Smart Home Reopens Domestic Factories and Resumes Production at Full speed.
Haier Smart Home Reopens Domestic Factories and Resumes Production at Full speed.
Despite limited capacity brought on by Covid-19, Haier maintained normal production levels as a result of its strong global supply chain and rapid response to the epidemic. With a complete international operation and supplier system, as well as supplier resources spanning the Americas, Southeast Asia, South Asia and Europe, Haier fulfilled 99.8% of orders throughout February 2020, with 60% of products manufactured in local factories overseas. Meanwhile, Haier’s logistics team closely monitored changes in global ports and shipping policy alerts and adjusted its resources and logistics plans accordingly to ensure the timely shipment of all orders.Since February 17, all of Haier’s domestic factories – except three in Wuhan – have resumed production with additional strict measures to prevent and control the spread of the epidemic, on top of those recommended by the Chinese government. 10 Haier industrial parks have been recognized by the local government and seven have been highlighted by Chinese media as leading examples for their epidemic protection and prevention work. As of February 25, the three Wuhan factories have also reopened with similar measures in place to keep workers safe.In addition to reopening factories, Haier’s key domestic suppliers are gradually resuming normal business operations. To date, more than 90% of suppliers have reopened their doors with an 80% work resumption rate and a 95% guarantee rate. The guarantee rate is expected to reach 100% by the end of February.Further to its global supply chain, Haier was able to lessen the impact of Covid-19 due to its early adoption of intelligent manufacturing. Across its 122 factories, Haier has integrated a variety of automated production processes including automatic boxing and bagging, refrigerator wrapping and gluing, as well as product-specific processes for washing appliances and air conditioners.Haier Smart Home’s five sectors have also introduced 108 flexible production lines using integrated automation solutions and applied intelligent technologies such as AI, big data analysis, 5G and AR to help conduct a range of factory tasks, including visual product inspections for refrigerators, measuring the noise of washing machines, detecting unusual sounds in air conditioners, AR-assisted remote equipment maintenance and more. These intelligent manufacturing processes and technologies enabled Haier to continue normal production and logistics during the outbreak, as well as improving overall line efficiency and reducing staff turnover.

Imetec Quick and easy preparation

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Thanks to the innovative Imetec PRO technology , the SuccoVivo PRO 2000 extractor is able to obtain 100% of the vitamins while preserving the natural flavor of fresh fruit and vegetables. It prepares, in a simple and fast way, fruit and vegetable extracts, vegetable milk, ice cream, sorbets, velvets, sauces and even granitas, thanks to the 300W of its professional induction motor with steel gears, which easily squeezes even the most demanding foods hard like pomegranate, artichokes and dried fruit.

The special Beauty filter also transforms SuccoVivo Pro 2000 into a real beauty kit, because it allows you to transform the residual pulp of extracted fruit and vegetables into 100% natural face and body beauty masks , all collected in the special recipe book “Create the your natural beauty masks “by Lisa Casali.

Triflex HX1, the first rechargeable handstick by Miele

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Miele presents its first offer in the booming market for rechargeable handsticks, with Triflex HX1 for which the company has programming a global campaign in partnership with Aude Lemordant, the triple aerobatics world champion. The focus of the campaign is the flexibility, powerful suction and faster cleaning of the rechargeable handstick. The creative idea is the work of DDB Düsseldorf.
With the new Triflex HX1 campaign, Miele is building on the storytelling platform #LifeBeyondOrdinary, first initiated in 2018 – once again adopting a novel approach in this segment. In this context, the brand is advertising its first rechargeable handstick in collaboration with the aerobatics pilot Aude Lemordant. The French sportswoman, 37, won her first title at the FAI World Championship in 2013 in the individual, freestyle and team disciplines. Since then, she has been chasing ever new records, last year winning her third world singles championship.
«With her ambition to constantly rise above herself and achieve the seemingly impossible – says Dominic Worsley, Director Global Marketing with the Miele Group – Aude is the perfect ambassador for our brand and, more specifically, for our innovative rechargeable handstick.»
A central element of the campaign is a 30-second spot. Alongside unbounded freedom, this also expresses the flexibility, power and speed which so characterises the Miele Triflex HX1. Its unique design combines three vacuum cleaners in one – along with powerful suction and faster cleaning. Thanks to Miele Vortex Technology and an extra wide electrobrush, suction on the Triflex is as powerful as on the company’s most powerful corded vacuum series. For good and fast deep cleaning on all surfaces, the electrobrush’s suction power adjusts automatically to floor coverings. The replaceable rechargeable battery allows up to 60 minutes of work. The Triflex HX1 Pro flagship model comes standard with a spare rechargeable battery which increases uptime to as much as 120 minutes.

Electrolux has developed a new intelligent induction hob with SenseBoil® technology

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Electrolux has developed a new intelligent induction hob with SenseBoil® technology, which simplifies every cooking activity. In the two sizes of 60 and 80 cm wide, the SenseBoil® hob offers a significant flexibility: through the special sensor present in the 4 Infinite cooking zones, it perceives the vibrations of boiling water and automatically adjusts the level of heat, avoiding spills from the pot.
For greater flexibility and efficiency, the Bridge function connects two different cooking zones into a larger one, allowing the use of pans of any shape and size. Moreover, at the touch of a slider command on the digital display, the PowerSlide function activates three preset temperature levels (high, medium, low) so as to easily slide the pan from the warmest to the coldest area without the need to manually manage the power. Anyway, the hob ensures extreme cooking precision thanks to the heat system adjustable up to 14 levels. The model also features the Hob2Hood technology that connects the hood to the hob with the integrated wireless connection, automatically activating and adjusting the first according to the intensity of use of the hob: the environment will always be fresh and free of odors.
Finally, thanks to the Stop+Go program, what is cooked does not cool down because the cooking zones are automatically adjusted to the “keeping warm” level. In addition, the Child Safety function blocks the ignition and controls, preventing any intervention by children.
The Electrolux SenseBoil® hob also ensures energy efficiency, because it is possible to regulate the energy absorption from 1.5 kW to 7.2 kW.

Gorenje getting Retro in Paris

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Some appliances of the Gorenje Retro collection are displayed by a specialist shop of home appliance and electronics, Boulanger, that is also a strategic partner of the company in domestic appliances sales in France.
Both models of the small and large appliances are shown in the retailer storefront in the Paris city center, located near the famous Paris opera house.
«This promotion – says Damien Neymarc, marketing manager for Hisense and Gorenje France. in such a high frequency area is very important for Gorenje as we have newly launched our small domestic appliances lines in France at the end of last year, that’s why such exposure at the heart of Paris is of strategic importance for us.»
The success of Gorenje Retro display convinced Boulanger to re-create the same display at another prestigious location in the vicinity of the Eiffel tower, in the premium Beaugrenelle shopping mall, one of the biggest shopping malls in Paris’ inner city.
This collection includes several kind of household appliances with a vintage look and many color variants. The models are performant and ensures energy efficiency and functionality.
After the acquisition by Hisense, the Gorenje brand and its products have been integrated in the strategic vision of the Group that is focused on innovative and smart solutions.
This year, Hisense has presented their latest innovations in TV segment, smartphones, VIDAA intelligent platform, ConnectLife and many other breakthrough new products. Through the ConnectLife smart platform, the TV is turned into a control center for smart home appliances, and a bridge is established between the TV and other home appliances of Hisense, Gorenje and ASKO. When you enter the kitchen, the 21-inch large-screen refrigerator will recommend recipes based on the user’s health information. Users can place orders directly on the screen for the ingredients that are missing in the recipe and can also start the oven to preheat accordingly. Smart hobs replaced traditional buttons with touch screen controls. After turning on the switches, they can automatically turn on the lights according to the brightness of the room.