The relocation is complete! As planned, the E.G.O.-Group has moved into the new Polish plant in Łódź. The modern production facility of E.G.O. Polska Sp. z o.o. currently has a usable area of 15,000 square meters. This provides sufficient space for future growth and expansion.
Around 300 employees in Łódź produce electronic systems for dryers, washing machines, refrigerators, coffee machines, dishwasher panels, and induction heating elements.
Panasonic has officially pulled out of the refrigerator and washing machine categories in India, ending years of low sales and mounting losses. With market shares of just 0.8% in fridges and 1.8% in washing machines, the company struggled to compete in a crowded, price‑sensitive segment.
This exit is part of Panasonic’s global restructuring, allowing the brand to shift focus toward HVAC, B2B solutions, and smart home technologies—areas with stronger growth and profitability.
Panasonic says it will continue to support existing customers with service and spare parts, while helping dealers clear remaining stock.
The move highlights a broader trend in India’s appliance market: global brands are prioritising high‑margin, tech‑driven categories over traditional white good
Arçelik has announced a major leadership change, confirming that long‑serving CEO Hakan Bulgurlu will step down after more than a decade leading Beko and 32 years within the Koç Group.
Bulgurlu will be succeeded by Can Dinçer, who currently serves as General Manager of Arçelik Türkiye and Chief Commercial Officer for South Asia and Turkey. The transition is scheduled to take effect following the company’s next Annual General Meeting.
To ensure continuity, Bulgurlu will remain on the Board of Directors of Beko BV until June 2026, supporting a smooth handover. He will also continue in his role as President of APPLiA Europe, the association representing the European home appliance industry, until the end of his term.
This marks one of the most significant leadership shifts in the sector this year, positioning Dinçer to guide Arçelik through its next phase of global growth and innovation.
For 70 years, Arçelik has placed technology at the heart of everyday life, consistently prioritizing innovation to shape the future of home appliances. This legacy continues with the introduction of ThermoGurme, the brand’s groundbreaking smart food processor, showcased at “The Kitchen”—Arçelik’s immersive experience space located within the Bolu Cooking Appliances Plant.
A Vision of the Future, Built Into One Device
ThermoGurme represents more than a new product launch; it embodies Arçelik’s forward‑looking vision for kitchen technology. Designed as an intelligent cooking ecosystem, the device manages the entire culinary journey—from preparation to cooking—within a single, seamless platform.
Key features include:
– 30 automatic programs that bring professional‑level precision into the home
– High‑accuracy temperature control ranging from 37°C to 150°C
– Wi‑Fi connectivity that unlocks a rich digital recipe world
– Multi‑functional design capable of preparing four different dishes simultaneously
This combination of engineering excellence and user‑centric design transforms ThermoGurme into both a reliable kitchen companion and a tool that expands creative freedom for home cooks.
Technology That Simplifies, Inspires, and Elevates
ThermoGurme is built to simplify complex kitchen processes, making advanced cooking techniques accessible to everyone. Whether you’re experimenting with new recipes or streamlining everyday meals, the device blends smart solutions with intuitive functionality.
Arçelik continues to push boundaries by integrating inspiration, technology, and intelligent solutions into the modern kitchen—empowering users to cook with confidence and creativity
Bertazzoni is raising the bar in premium kitchen design with a bold new aesthetic: Mirror finishes for the built‑in ovens of its Modern Series. Available in Gold, Bronze and Obsidian, these new surfaces introduce a fresh visual language to contemporary kitchens—one that blends luxury, innovation and engineering precision.
A First in the Appliance Industry
What sets this launch apart is not just the look, but the technology behind it.
Bertazzoni has become the first appliance manufacturer to apply Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) to oven surfaces—an advanced steel‑processing technique typically reserved for high‑end architectural and design applications.
This method creates an ultra‑reflective, mirror‑like finish that is:
The result is a surface that maintains its brilliance while standing up to the demands of everyday cooking.
Where Engineering Meets Art
By combining PVD technology with the brand’s signature craftsmanship, Bertazzoni has created a finish that transforms the oven into a true design statement. Light interacts with the reflective surfaces to create depth and dimension, while the precision‑engineered structure ensures the appliance performs as beautifully as it looks.
These new Mirror finishes give Bertazzoni’s iconic Modern Series a refined, architectural presence—perfect for homeowners and designers seeking a kitchen that feels both sophisticated and contemporary.
LG is expanding its refrigerator-freezer lineup with the launch of the new Fit & Max series, designed to combine generous capacity with a sleek, built‑in look. The range comes in 60 cm and 70 cm widths, each available in 2 m and 1.8 m heights, and offered in a selection of modern colours to suit different kitchen styles.
Clean Lines, Smarter Design
A standout feature of the Fit & Max collection is its flush-fit installation, which creates a seamless, minimalist aesthetic. LG’s Zero Clearance hinges allow the doors to open up to 110° without requiring extra side space—eliminating the typical gap between the appliance and the wall. Thanks to a double-hinge system, the doors stay perfectly aligned with the fridge body even when fully open. The look is completed with refined Metal Fresh interior finishes.
More Space Than Meets the Eye
Despite their standard footprint, the Fit & Max models offer impressive storage capacity:
Inside, the layout is flexible and thoughtfully organised. Adjustable shelves accommodate larger containers, while a bottle rack, space‑saving drawers, and My Box—a retractable, anti‑odor drawer ideal for cheese—add practical versatility.
AI‑Driven Efficiency
LG equips the range with its AI Inverter Compressor, which learns daily usage patterns to maintain stable cooling performance while reducing energy consumption. Smart features such as AI Fresh and AI Saving Mode automatically adjust the temperature by 1°C depending on how frequently the doors are opened, helping optimise efficiency throughout the day.
Freshness Technologies Working Together
The Fit & Max series integrates LG’s signature freshness systems:
Energy Performance and Smart Control
Throughout the year, models in the Fit & Max lineup will reach high energy ratings, up to A‑40%. For added convenience, the entire range supports remote control and monitoring via the LG ThinQ app, allowing users to manage settings and receive alerts directly from their smartphone.
Two months after the liquidation of French appliance manufacturer Brandt, the Nanterre Commercial Court has received 36 takeover bids, according to reports from L’Informé and BFMTV. The offers cover a wide range of the group’s assets, including factories, brands, and an inventory of more than 172,000 household appliances.
Major Retail and Manufacturing Groups Step In
Several well-known players in the home and appliance sector have expressed interest:
– Fnac-Darty has submitted a €2.9 million bid to acquire Brandt’s brands and remaining stock.
– Fournier Group—owner of SoCoo’c, Mobalpa, Hygena, and Perene—has offered €500,000 specifically for the Sauter brand.
– Discount retailer Noz, known for buying liquidation stock (including Habitat’s unsold goods two years ago), has made a €4.5 million offer solely for Brandt’s inventory.
– Polish manufacturer Amica, active in 50 countries with over 300 employees, has proposed €2.5 million to acquire both the Brandt and Sauter brands.
Only Four Bids Include Employee Retention
Out of nearly 40 proposals, just four include plans to retain Brandt employees.
One of the most significant comes from the Île-de-France region and the Cergy-Pontoise municipality, which aim to take over the Saint-Ouen-l’Aumône factory and continue producing household appliances there. Public authorities have pledged €15 million to support the project.
Another bid comes from Stephan Français, head of Metavisio, who proposes keeping 150 employees by expanding the site’s production to include IT hardware—Metavisio notably manufactures Thomson computers. His offer totals €4 million, including €1.75 million for trademarks and patents.
Additional Local Offers
Two smaller proposals have also been submitted:
– The Orléans metropolitan area has offered €300,000 for Brandt’s brands.
– Dishwasher startup EverEver, which manufactures in France, has bid €25,000 for the Vendôme factory.
What Happens Next?
All bids are now under review by the court, Brandt’s administrators, and the Ministry of the Economy, which stated immediately after the liquidation that it would be “closely monitoring the case.”
GRF is set to make its official UK debut at KBB Birmingham 2026, introducing British audiences to its distinctive vision of premium refrigeration engineered for contemporary, design‑led, and fully bespoke kitchens.
Renowned for its expertise in large-format refrigeration, GRF blends Italian design heritage with advanced engineering and a deep commitment to seamless integration. The result is a product philosophy that treats refrigeration not as a standalone appliance, but as an architectural component that enhances the overall kitchen environment.
LG Home Appliance Solutions (HS) wrapped up 2025 on a high note, reporting sales of 26.13 trillion won (€15.2 billion) and operating profits of 1.28 trillion won (€0.74 billion). The division not only achieved a new all‑time revenue record but also delivered a modest uptick in profitability.
Despite the challenges posed by tariff-related pressures, LG HS showed strong resilience throughout the year. Looking ahead, the company plans to accelerate the rollout of AI‑driven features across its product portfolio and expand its footprint in fast‑growing emerging markets. It also aims to continue advancing its built‑in appliance lineup, reinforcing its position in the premium home segment.
APPLiA, the association representing Europe’s home appliance manufacturers, has launched a new campaign urging the creation of an EU Action Plan dedicated to the sector. The message is clear: if Europe wants to remain competitive, it must align its climate ambitions with a strong, resilient industrial base.
“Europe faces a simple choice,” said Paolo Falcioni, Director General of APPLiA. “Either we create the right conditions for sustainable production to flourish, or we risk losing one of the continent’s most established and productive industrial ecosystems. An Action Plan for Home Appliances is essential if we want outcomes that match the EU’s ambitions.”
The initiative comes at a pivotal moment, as the European Union grapples with how to balance decarbonization, reindustrialization, and strategic autonomy amid rising geopolitical pressures. APPLiA warns that escalating input costs, fragmented regulations, and inconsistent enforcement of EU rules are undermining fair competition and discouraging investment within Europe.
The home appliance sector is a major pillar of the European economy: nearly one million people are employed across the industry, more than 130 production sites operate across the continent, and over €44 billion is spent annually on European suppliers. Beyond its economic footprint, the sector delivers concrete benefits for consumers and the environment—cutting household energy and water use, improving product reparability, and advancing circular economy practices.
APPLiA’s proposed Action Plan focuses on three core priorities:
“Italy, producing 22 million appliances annually, is one of the EU’s leading manufacturing hubs,” noted Fabio De’ Longhi, vice president of APPLiA. “We are ready to contribute. The Italian government has already backed several initiatives for the sector, and we hope it will once again champion these priorities—productivity, regulatory harmonization, and technological progress—which are vital for Europe’s global competitiveness.”
Europe now faces a defining test: proving that climate ambition and industrial sovereignty can advance together. Falling short would put one of its most strategic sectors at risk, forcing difficult decisions that could erode the continent’s industrial leadership.
If you want, I can also adapt this into a shorter news-style brief, a LinkedIn post, or a punchier press release.
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