Elica Closes 2025 with Modest Revenue Growth but Pressured Margins Amid Strategic Transformation

Elica has released its fourth‑quarter and full‑year 2025 results, offering a clear snapshot of a company in the middle of a major strategic shift—from a traditional range‑hood specialist to a broader cooking‑appliance player. The transition is underway, but it’s not without financial friction.

Steady Revenue Growth in a Challenging Market

For the full year 2025, Elica reported revenues of €461 million, a 1.6% increase compared to 2024. The final quarter contributed €111 million, with organic growth of 1.7%, signalling that demand held firm despite a competitive and promotion‑heavy environment.

This growth was supported by:

– Strong promotional activity across key markets 
– The rollout of new product lines 
– Continued investment in expanding the cooking‑appliance portfolio 

Margins Under Pressure as Transformation Continues

While top‑line performance remained positive, profitability took a hit. 
Elica’s EBITDA declined from €31 million to €28 million, bringing the margin down to 6%.

The company attributes this margin squeeze to:

– Heavy promotional spending across the sector 
– Costs linked to launching new products 
– Significant investments required to evolve from range hoods into full cooking solutions 

This shift is central to Elica’s long‑term strategy, but the financial impact is clearly visible in the short term.

From Profit to Loss: A Difficult Bottom Line

The most striking figure in the 2025 results is the bottom line. 
Elica closed the year with a net loss of nearly €5 million, a sharp reversal from the €2.6 million profit recorded in 2024.

The company remains confident that its transformation will strengthen its competitive position, but 2025 underscores the cost of that evolution.

What This Means for the Appliance Sector

Elica’s results reflect broader trends we’re tracking across the white‑goods industry:

– Brands expanding into full cooking ecosystems 
– Higher promotional intensity as competition tightens 
– Margin pressure as companies invest in innovation and product diversification 

Elica’s pivot toward integrated cooking appliances positions it well for future growth, but 2025 shows that the transition phase will require resilience—and continued investment.

Europe’s Home Appliance Innovation Boom Needs the Right Conditions to Thrive

Europe’s home appliance sector is in the middle of a remarkable innovation surge. Over the past decade, the number of patents granted for home appliances has more than doubled—rising from 2,191 in 2014 to over 4,700 in 2024. Behind this growth is a vibrant ecosystem of engineers, designers and researchers working across Europe to create products that are more efficient, more connected and built to last.

This wave of innovation doesn’t just benefit consumers looking for smarter, greener appliances. It also strengthens Europe’s industrial competitiveness at a time when global markets are shifting fast. But maintaining this momentum requires the right environment—one that supports investment, encourages research and development, and ensures manufacturers can scale new technologies across the continent.

The Challenges Threatening Europe’s Innovation Lead

Despite the progress, the industry is sounding the alarm. 
APPLiA, the association representing Europe’s home appliance manufacturers, warns that several mounting pressures could slow the sector’s growth:

– Rising operational and production costs 
– Increasingly complex regulatory requirements 
– Uneven enforcement of EU rules across member states

These challenges risk pushing innovation—and the jobs and skills that come with it—outside Europe’s borders.

A Call for an EU Action Plan

To safeguard the future of Europe’s home appliance industry, APPLiA is urging policymakers to adopt a dedicated EU Action Plan for the Home Appliance Industry. 
The goal is clear: keep innovation, manufacturing and technical expertise rooted in Europe.

Such a plan would aim to:

– Create a predictable and supportive regulatory environment 
– Encourage long‑term investment in R&D 
– Strengthen Europe’s position as a global leader in sustainable, high‑performance appliances 
– Ensure fair and consistent rule enforcement across all EU markets 

Discover the Campaign

APPLiA’s campaign outlines concrete proposals designed to help the industry continue delivering the efficient, durable and connected products consumers expect—while keeping Europe competitive on the world stage.

👉 Explore the full campaign and proposals to see what’s at stake for the future of European home appliances.

Electrolux Group Doubles Profit in 2025 Despite Lower Revenue

Electrolux Group closed the fourth quarter of 2025 on a positive note, posting a 2% increase in sales to SEK 35 billion (€3.3 billion). Operating profit also strengthened, reaching SEK 1.52 billion (€144 million) and delivering a margin of 4.3%.

Across the full year, the Swedish appliance manufacturer generated SEK 131.3 billion (€12.4 billion) in revenue—slightly below the SEK 136 billion recorded in 2024. Despite the dip in sales, profitability improved significantly: Electrolux reported SEK 3.7 billion (€350 million) in profit, double the previous year’s result. The company attributed this rebound to effective cost‑saving measures and a more favorable product mix.

According to the Group’s report, Italy—its third‑largest European market after Germany and Switzerland—contributed SEK 3.8 billion (€0.36 billion) in sales. While overall European performance softened, Electrolux noted encouraging momentum in Latin America.

Looking ahead, the company plans to withhold dividends to reinforce its balance sheet amid rising net debt. It also intends to continue pursuing cost efficiencies across all business areas.

BSH Spain Celebrates 23 Million Induction Hobs and 35 Years of Innovation in Zaragoza

BSH Home Appliances Spain, S.A. has reached a major production milestone—over 23 million induction hobs manufactured at its Zaragoza facility, the company’s global headquarters. This achievement marks 35 years of continuous innovation in a product that has transformed kitchens worldwide, making them safer, more efficient, and more sustainable.

A trailblazer in industry-academic collaboration, BSH was one of the first companies to partner with the University of Zaragoza, fostering a culture of research and development that continues to drive progress today. The Montañana plant, home to 1,500 employees—including 150 dedicated to R&D—is widely regarded as the crown jewel of BSH’s operations in Spain.

Franke Group Acquires Røros Metall to Strengthen Nordic Presence and Ventilation Expertise

In a strategic move to bolster its footprint in the Nordic region and reinforce its leadership in centralized ventilation, the Swiss-based Franke Group has announced the acquisition of Røros Metall AS, a premium Norwegian manufacturer renowned for its high-end RørosHetta range hoods and ventilation systems.

The deal, which involves the full acquisition of Røros Metall’s shares, marks a significant milestone in Franke’s growth strategy. While financial details remain undisclosed, the implications for the home solutions market are substantial.

A Powerful Synergy in Kitchen Ventilation

Røros Metall will now operate under Franke Home Solutions, the division of the Franke Group dedicated to intelligent kitchen systems and solutions. This integration is set to unlock new opportunities for innovation, combining Franke’s global scale and engineering excellence with Røros Metall’s craftsmanship and deep market knowledge in the Nordic region.

The acquisition is more than a geographic expansion—it’s a strategic alignment of values and vision. Both companies share a commitment to sustainability, energy efficiency, and premium design. By joining forces, they aim to accelerate the development of next-generation ventilation solutions that meet the evolving needs of modern kitchens.

What This Means for the Industry

– Stronger Nordic Market Position: Franke gains a deeper foothold in Norway and the broader Nordic region, enhancing its ability to serve local customers with tailored solutions.
– Sustainable Innovation: The partnership will focus on advancing eco-friendly, energy-efficient ventilation technologies.
– Global Growth for RørosHetta: With access to Franke’s international network, the RørosHetta brand is poised for broader exposure and expansion beyond its home market.

This acquisition underscores Franke’s ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence in the home kitchen space. As the demand for smarter, greener appliances continues to rise, the combined strengths of Franke and Røros Metall are set to shape the future of kitchen ventilation across Europe and beyond

Ebac Eyes Stronger Profitability Ahead Despite Dip in 2024 Turnover

British appliance manufacturer Ebac is forecasting improved profitability in the coming years following strategic restructuring, including the closure of one of its production lines.

In newly published financial results for 2024, the County Durham-based company reported a drop in turnover from £17.7 million to £15.9 million. Despite the decline, directors described the year as “another challenging” period and emphasized that decisive actions had been taken to strengthen the business.

Ebac, known for its range of washing machines, dehumidifiers, water coolers, and heat pumps, said the changes are expected to streamline operations and position the company for a more sustainable and profitable future.

Groupe Brandt Liquidated After Rescue Plan Fails: A Stark Warning for European Appliance Manufacturing

The curtain has fallen on one of France’s most iconic appliance manufacturers. On Thursday, December 11, the Nanterre Commercial Court ordered the liquidation of Groupe Brandt, marking the end of a months-long effort to save the company through an employee-led cooperative. The decision spells the loss of approximately 700 jobs and halts production of legacy brands including Brandt, De Dietrich, Sauter, and Vedette.

This outcome underscores a broader and troubling trend: the continued erosion of European-based appliance manufacturing in the face of global competition, financial fragility, and investor hesitancy.

A Last-Ditch Effort That Fell Short

The final hope for Groupe Brandt rested on a bold proposal—a Scop (Société coopérative et participative), or employee cooperative, backed by Groupe Revive and entrepreneur Cédric Meston, co-founder of plant-based food brand HappyVore. The plan aimed to preserve local jobs and maintain production in the historic Loiret and Loir-et-Cher regions by turning employees into co-owners.

Despite strong political and regional support, including €17 million in public funding from the French state, Centre-Val de Loire region, and the city of Orléans, the plan ultimately collapsed. The court deemed the proposal financially unviable, citing a shortfall of €3–8 million that banks refused to cover.

Political Will Meets Financial Reality

The rescue effort drew unprecedented political attention. Industry Minister Sébastien Martin pledged €5 million in state aid, while regional leaders rallied to raise additional funds. Yet, even with this show of unity, the private sector’s reluctance to assume risk proved decisive.

With no viable path to cover the remaining funding gap—and no means to pay salaries beyond December 15—the court had little choice but to proceed with liquidation.

What This Means for the Industry

Groupe Brandt’s collapse is more than a corporate failure—it’s a symbolic blow to the European white goods sector. Once a pillar of French industrial pride, Brandt’s demise highlights the vulnerability of legacy manufacturers in a capital-intensive, globally competitive market.

For industry watchers, the case raises urgent questions:

– Can cooperative ownership models realistically rescue distressed manufacturers?
– What role should public funding play in safeguarding industrial heritage?
– And how can Europe retain its foothold in appliance production amid mounting global pressures?

As the dust settles, one thing is clear: the Brandt story will resonate far beyond France’s borders.

Whirlpool Invests R$3 Million in Advanced Training Hub in Brazil

Whirlpool is investing R$3 million in a new advanced manufacturing training center at its Rio Claro plant in São Paulo, where it produces washers, stoves, ovens, and cooktops.

The “Factory of the Future” aims to deliver 6,000 hours of annual training through 2030 for employees and students from São Paulo State’s technical colleges (Fatecs), with the goal of boosting local manufacturing productivity by 50%.

Whirlpool employs 12,000 people in Brazil, including 3,000 in Rio Claro, and operates additional plants in Manaus and Joinville. Over the past five years, the company has invested R$1.3 billion in Brazil and $4 billion globally in R&D and capital expenditures. Currently, 97% of its products sold in Brazil are manufactured locally.

TCL to manufacturer in Bangladesh

TCL Global Marketing Company Limited has officially launched operations in Bangladesh, partnering with local tech leader DX Group to handle marketing, distribution, and manufacturing. The announcement was made at an event at Hotel Sheraton, Banani, where TCL shared its investment plans and commitment to building robust local production capabilities.The company plans to produce a range of products locally, including televisions, air conditioners, refrigerators, and washing machines,

Jensen North America Acquires G.A. Braun, Strengthening Its North American Presence

Jensen North America, a proud member of the global Jensen-Group, has officially acquired the business operations of G.A. Braun. This strategic acquisition represents a major leap forward in Jensen-Group’s long-term growth strategy, significantly enhancing its manufacturing capabilities, broadening its product offerings, and expanding its service network throughout North America.

By integrating G.A. Braun’s expertise and infrastructure, Jensen-Group is poised to deliver even greater value to customers across the region—reinforcing its commitment to innovation, quality, and customer-centric solutions in the industrial laundry sector.