Category Archives: Domestic appliance news,

Silverline Announces Strategic Leadership Changes to Accelerate 2026 Growth Vision

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Silverline, a leading innovator in the home appliance industry, is proud to announce a series of strategic leadership changes effective January 1, 2026. These changes are designed to strengthen the company’s organizational structure and support its ambitious growth initiatives in the years ahead.

– Glauco Pizzutto has been appointed CEO of the Silverline Group, assuming full strategic and operational leadership responsibilities.
– Roberto Pizzutto will serve as President, continuing to lead commercial strategy and foster long-standing business relationships.
– Denis Artuso joins Silverline as Sales Director, bringing a fresh perspective to drive market expansion and customer engagement.
– Folco Pizzutto will lead the Purchasing Department, focusing on supply chain optimization and deepening partnerships with key industrial collaborators. He will also maintain oversight of the brands’ commercial activities.

“These changes mark a pivotal moment in Silverline’s journey,” said Glauco Pizzutto. “We’re aligning our leadership to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving market, while staying true to our commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction.”

Founded in Turkey in 1994, Silverline today brings next-generation kitchen enjoyment to millions of kitchens in over 70 countries. With our innovative designs, advanced technologies, and environmentally conscious products, we are one of the world’s leading cooker hood manufacturers, boasting an annual production capacity of 2.3 million units.

LG’s CLOiD Robot Promises a “Zero Labor Home” at CES 2026

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CLOiD is expected to integrate seamlessly with LG’s broader smart home ecosystem, including ThinQ-enabled appliances. Imagine a home where your robot communicates with your smart fridge, oven, and washer to anticipate your needs and act on them autonomously. That’s the future LG is betting on—and showcasing at CES.

🔍 Why It Matters for the Appliance Industry

For appliance manufacturers and retailers, CLOiD signals a shift in consumer expectations. It’s no longer just about smart features—it’s about full-service automation. As AI and robotics become more sophisticated, the line between appliances and assistants continues to blur.

At WhiteGoodsNow, we’ll be watching closely as LG reveals more about CLOiD’s capabilities, pricing, and availability. One thing’s clear: the race toward the zero labor home is officially on.

iRobot Acquired by Picea Amid Chapter 11 Bankruptcy: What It Means for Roomba Owners

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In a surprising development that’s sending ripples through the smart home appliance industry, iRobot—the company behind the iconic Roomba robotic vacuum—has been acquired by Chinese contract manufacturing giant Picea. The acquisition comes as part of iRobot’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, raising serious questions about the future of its products, services, and customer support.

What Happened?

iRobot, once a pioneer in consumer robotics and a household name thanks to its Roomba line, has officially filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. As part of the restructuring process, the company has been taken over by Picea, a major player in global electronics manufacturing. While the financial details remain under wraps, the move signals a major shift in iRobot’s operational control and strategic direction.

Why Roomba Owners Are Concerned

The news has sparked concern among Roomba users worldwide. With the company now under new ownership, many are wondering:

– Will existing Roomba warranties still be honored?
– What happens to software updates and app support?
– Will customer service remain accessible and responsive?
– Could data privacy policies change under new management?

These are valid questions, especially for customers who’ve invested in premium models or rely on Roomba’s smart home integrations.

What We Know So Far

As of now, Picea has not released a detailed roadmap for iRobot’s future. There’s been no official statement regarding warranty policies, ongoing support, or changes to the product lineup. However, transitions like this often involve a period of uncertainty as the new parent company evaluates operations and restructures accordingly.

What Should Roomba Owners Do?

Until more information is available, here are a few proactive steps Roomba users can take:

– Check your warranty status: Locate your proof of purchase and warranty documentation.
– Back up your app settings: If your Roomba uses the iRobot Home app, ensure your preferences and cleaning schedules are saved.
– Monitor official channels: Follow iRobot and Picea for updates on support, service, and product announcements.
– Consider alternatives: If you’re in the market for a new robotic vacuum, it may be worth exploring other brands with stable support ecosystems.

Final Thoughts

The acquisition of iRobot by Picea marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of the smart home appliance market. While the long-term implications remain to be seen, one thing is clear: consumers are watching closely. At WhiteGoodsNow, we’ll continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they unfold.

Samsung Unveils AI Vision-Powered Bespoke Refrigerator with Google Gemini Integration at CES

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Samsung is redefining the smart kitchen experience with the debut of its latest innovation: the Bespoke AI Refrigerator Family Hub™, now equipped with an upgraded AI Vision system powered by Google Gemini. Set to be unveiled at CES, this marks the first time Google’s powerful AI model has been integrated into a refrigerator—ushering in a new era of intelligent food management.

Smarter Food Recognition, Powered by AI

The previous generation of Samsung’s AI Vision could recognize up to 37 types of fresh food and 50 pre-registered processed items. With the new update, those limitations are being shattered. The enhanced AI Vision now offers:

– Expanded food recognition: More fresh and processed items can be identified without manual input.
– Automatic registration of processed foods: No need for pre-registration—AI Vision now recognizes and logs items on its own.
– User-labeled item detection: Even foods stored in personal containers can be added to your inventory, thanks to label recognition.

This leap in food identification accuracy means users can manage their fridge contents more efficiently than ever before. Whether you’re meal planning, grocery shopping, or simply trying to reduce waste, the Bespoke AI Refrigerator is designed to make your kitchen smarter and your life easier.

A Glimpse Into the Future of Personalized Kitchens

Samsung’s CES showcase will highlight how AI Vision transforms the refrigerator into a central hub for personalized culinary experiences. From suggesting recipes based on what’s inside your fridge to helping you track expiration dates and reduce food waste, this innovation is about more than just convenience—it’s about creating a kitchen that truly understands your lifestyle.

As Samsung continues to push the boundaries of appliance intelligence, the Bespoke AI Refrigerator Family Hub™ stands as a bold statement: the future of food starts here.

Strix Sells Billi for £110M, Tripling Investment and Accelerating Debt Reduction

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Strix Group Plc has announced the sale of its Billi business to a newly formed Australian entity for £110 million in cash—a move that nearly triples its original investment and supports the company’s strategy to reduce debt.

The AIM-listed technology firm, renowned globally for its kettle safety controls and water-heating components, confirmed that the transaction values Billi at an enterprise value of £110 million on a cash-free, debt-free basis. The sale remains subject to shareholder approval.

Strix originally acquired Billi in November 2022 for £38 million. The divestment now delivers an estimated 3x return on that investment, translating to approximately 47.8 pence per Strix share—an 18% premium over the company’s recent share price.

This strategic move underscores Strix’s commitment to strengthening its balance sheet while sharpening its focus on core operations

Bruno Piquand Returns to BSH as Western Europe Marketing Director for Gaggenau

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BSH Home Appliances has welcomed back a familiar face: Bruno Piquand has been appointed Western Europe Marketing Director for Gaggenau, the group’s premium home appliance brand. Although the official announcement came in early December, Piquand stepped into the role at the start of autumn.

In his new position, Piquand leads marketing strategy across France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. His mission is clear: to reinforce Gaggenau’s position as a leader in the luxury appliance market. This includes cultivating strategic partnerships, deepening customer engagement, and strengthening ties with B2B stakeholders such as kitchen specialists, interior architects, and designers.

A Broader Crisis in European Manufacturing

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Groupe Brandt’s collapse is not an isolated case. It reflects a growing crisis in Europe’s white goods sector, where even market leaders are under pressure.

– BSH Group, Europe’s largest appliance manufacturer, recently confirmed it will shutter two German plants—Nauen (washing machines) by mid-2027 and Bretten (cookers and hoods) by early 2028—resulting in 1,400 job losses. Production will shift to lower-cost European sites.
– Electrolux continues its restructuring efforts amid rising debt and liquidity concerns, despite recent strong performance.
– Miele has already relocated washing machine production from Germany to Poland, citing cost pressures.

The Bigger Picture: Europe’s Manufacturing Squeeze

The European appliance industry is being squeezed from all sides:

– 📈 Rising energy and labor costs
– 🏛️ Regulatory and bureaucratic burdens
– 🌏 Aggressive competition from Asian—especially Chinese—manufacturers

Brandt’s liquidation is a stark reminder that legacy, innovation, and even public support may not be enough to withstand today’s economic headwinds without private sector confidence

Middleby to Sell 51% Stake in Residential Kitchen Business to 26North in Transaction Valuing the Business at $885 Million

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The Middleby Corporation (NASDAQ: MIDD) has agreed to sell a 51% stake in its Residential Kitchen business to affiliates of 26North Partners LP, valuing the unit at $885 million. Middleby will retain a 49% non-controlling interest in the new joint venture, receiving approximately $540 million in cash and a $135 million seller note.

The Residential Kitchen portfolio includes premium brands such as Viking, AGA Rangemaster, La Cornue, Kamado Joe, Marvel, Novy, and U-Line. This move, alongside the planned spin-off of Middleby’s Food Processing segment in H1 2026, advances the company’s strategy to become a pure-play commercial foodservice leader.

With a sharpened focus, Middleby is positioned for accelerated growth through innovation and automation, offering a robust lineup of commercial kitchen solutions that enhance labor efficiency, reduce food costs, and expand into high-potential markets like ice and beverage.

The commercial foodservice business stands strong with 2024 revenue of $2.38 billion, $654 million in Adjusted EBITDA, and a margin exceeding 27%

Midea Unveils Miro U: A Next-Gen Humanoid Robot Set to Revolutionize Smart Manufacturing

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Midea is pushing the boundaries of industrial automation with the unveiling of Miro U, the third-generation model in its humanoid robot series. Confirmed by Wei Chang, Midea’s Vice President and CTO, Miro U represents a significant leap forward in robotics innovation—designed and developed entirely in-house by the company’s R&D team.

At the heart of Miro U’s capabilities are its six bionic mechanical arms, engineered for high-precision control and rapid end-effector switching. This modular design allows the robot to seamlessly adapt to a variety of tasks on the production line. It also boasts vertical lifting and 360-degree in-place rotation, giving it exceptional flexibility and range of motion in confined industrial environments.

Looking ahead, Midea plans to deploy Miro U at its high-end washing machine factory in Wuxi by the end of 2025. The robot is expected to deliver measurable gains in operational efficiency, including a 30% improvement in production line adjustment speed and enhanced takt time performance—a key metric in lean manufacturing.

With Miro U, Midea is not just automating tasks; it’s redefining the future of smart factories

Whirlpool’s India Unit Sale to Advent International Falls Through Over Valuation Dispute

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In a significant turn of events in the global M&A landscape, talks between U.S. appliance giant Whirlpool Corporation and private equity powerhouse Advent International regarding the sale of Whirlpool’s India unit have reportedly collapsed. According to sources cited by Reuters, the deal—valued at up to $1 billion—was derailed due to disagreements over valuation.

Advent International had emerged as the leading contender to acquire a 31% stake in Whirlpool of India Ltd (NSE: WHIR.NS), a move that would have triggered a mandatory open offer for a controlling stake under Indian securities regulations. The acquisition was seen as a strategic play by Advent to deepen its footprint in the Indian consumer durables market, leveraging Whirlpool’s established brand presence and distribution network.

However, despite advanced negotiations, the two parties were unable to bridge the valuation gap. The breakdown underscores the challenges global investors face in aligning expectations with multinational corporations, especially in high-growth but price-sensitive markets like India.

Whirlpool of India, a subsidiary of Michigan-based Whirlpool Corp (NYSE: WHR), has been a prominent player in the Indian home appliance sector, known for its refrigerators, washing machines, and kitchen appliances. The potential divestment was part of Whirlpool’s broader strategy to streamline its global operations and focus on core markets.

While this deal may have faltered, industry watchers suggest that interest in India’s consumer appliance sector remains robust, driven by rising disposable incomes, urbanization, and a growing appetite for premium home solutions. It remains to be seen whether Whirlpool will seek other suitors or recalibrate its strategy for the Indian market.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.