Haier Europe has signed an agreement today with trade union representatives regarding the reconversion project of the Brugherio production site. The agreement follows the meeting of 20 January, during which the company presented the European business transformation plan to the
#unions . The project, which will be structured in several phases starting from July 1st, will have the objective of transforming the Brugherio plant into the Haier Europe Service Hub, dedicated to spareparts , which will serve the European markets in which the company operates. In particular, the project involves the consolidation of logistics activities, including reception, storage, packaging and shipping. Following the reconversion plan, the plant will have a storage capacity of approximately 50,000 pallet spaces, distributed over an area of 44,000 square meters. To support this transformation, Haier Europe has planned an #investment of between 6 and 9 million euros. With the reconversion plan of the Brugherio site and the start of the Service Hub activities, the company expects to employ approximately 110 people of the 160 #employees currently employed at the production site. In addition to the Service Hub, Brugherio will continue to host the European management center (HQ) – together with the offices in Vimercate – the Milan Experience Design Center and the research and development laboratories dedicated to connectivity and the Internet of Things, to support all product lines, for a total of approximately 900 people
Category Archives: Manufacturing
Whirlpool India shares plunge as parent plans to halve stake
Whirlpool Corp said it would more than halve its stake in its Indian unit to about 20%, sending Whirlpool of India’s shares plunging an exchange-allowed maximum of 20% to a near ten-month low on Thursday.
The U.S.-listed home appliance maker, which currently has a 51% stake in the India unit, said it estimates net cash proceeds, opens new tab of $550 million to $600 million from the sale, which it expects to close by mid-to-late 2025.The company will remain Whirlpool of India’s largest shareholder, followed by a number of mutual funds with stakes of less than 10%.
Whirlpool Corp sold a 24% stake in the Indian unit for about $468 million last year and the latest sale comes as it aims to pay off a major chunk of its debt amid a major rejig of its global assets, including folding its European business into a new firm and selling its Middle Eastern and African businesses
Groupe SEB: Consumer sales recover
After the difficult phase, Groupe SEB resumes growth by 5% in 2024, drawing satisfaction from the sales of Tefal, Moulinex, Krups, Rowenta, Lagostina, Emsa and Wmf also in Western Europe. Little satisfaction from the professional segment, which increases by only 1.4% and does not exceed one billion euros despite the investments of the management.The Professional area in which the group had invested by acquiring the brands La San Marco, Pacojet, Forge Adour and Sofilace and which had driven sales and profits in the difficult years perhaps disappointed with an increase of only 1.4% just under one billion euros (but the operating margin increased by 10%).
APPLiA – Home Appliance Europe
In a recent statement, leaders from 25 top European home appliance brands have united to emphasise the crucial role the industry plays in Europe’s economy and society.
The industry contributes €79 billion to the EU GDP and supports over 1 million jobs. As Europe’s industrial future is shaping, now is the time to address key challenges.
The priorities are:
✅Mitigate rising cost pressures
✅Streamline the regulatory environment
✅Enhance the Single Market
✅Ensure a competitive global market
Samsung manufacturing relocation
Samsung and LG Electronics are reportedly considering relocating some of their home appliance production from Mexico to the U.S., according to South Korean media outlet The Korean Economic Daily, as cited by the Central News Agency.
This move is in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 25% tariff on products imported from Mexico and Canada, starting February 1. Samsung may move its dryer production line to South Carolina, while LG is considering transferring its refrigerator production line to its Tennessee factory.
Samsung states it will monitor the situation closely and adapt as needed. LG plans to adjust its production systems and locations to respond to market changes effectively.
EGO 100th anniversary
𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 The EGO-Group (EGO) is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025. The birthplace is in Oberweiler, southern Baden, Germany. This is where Karl Fischer founded the Schwarzwälder Zangenkontakt Werkstätte in 1925 and started manufacturing electrical connecting parts in a small workshop. In 1927, he renamed the company Elektro-Gerätebau GmbH Oberweiler, before joining Heinrich Blanc in Oberderdingen in 1931. Over the course of 100 years, EGO has developed into a business group with a worldwide reputation and is the partner of first choice for the global appliance industry
Create innovative technologies for the kitchen living space
Supply products to manufacturers of household appliances
Haier Europe closes Brugherio plant
Haier Europe today presented to the unions (OO.SS. and RSU) the business transformation plan that includes the rationalization of its production presence in Europe. The plan aims to consolidate production capacity in a few large strategic sites and to carry out an in-depth review of costs and processes, in order to improve operational efficiency and continue to invest in innovation and product and brand leadership.
The plan includes the closure of the Aricestii Rahtivani plant in Romania by the end of March 2025 and the cessation of production activities at the Brugherio site in Italy by June 2025, followed by a reconversion project aimed at minimizing the social impact and preserving its strategic role.
Haier Cited for Safety Violations After Worker Fatality
GE-brand appliances, has been cited by federal workplace safety regulators for serious safety violations following the fatal injury of a 58-year-old supervisor in July 2024.
The incident occurred while the supervisor was servicing a door molding machine. OSHA’s investigation found the company failed to follow required machine safety standards, allowing workers to bypass safety doors and lacking proper procedures to prevent injuries within the machine. OSHA states these violations could have prevented the accident.
Rowenta manufacturing returns to France
Rowenta, the number one floor care brand in France, is taking a significant step by relocating the production of its stick vacuums. These products, previously made in China, will now be produced at their site in Vernon (Eure) to meet the growing demand in France and across Europe. This strategic relocation is part of our commitment to strengthen local roots while delivering products that are increasingly efficient and environmentally friendly. In 2024, the X-Force Flex 13.60 will become the first cordless vacuum cleaner made in France, followed by the launch of the X-Force Flex 14.80 in March 2025.To celebrate 140 years of innovation, Rowenta is hosting a unique event in Paris: an immersive pop-up store open to the public, where visitors can discover our latest products and test them in real-life scenarios inspired by post-party scenes. For 140 years, Rowenta has been innovating to improve the daily lives of consumers worldwide.
China’s New 2025 Consumer Stimulus: Big Boost for Home Appliance Stocks!
China started 2025 with a fresh consumer stimulus plan that analysts believe could significantly boost certain stocks. Instead of direct cash payments, the government is providing subsidies for home appliances through a trade-in program. Recently, they expanded the list of eligible products to include microwaves and dishwashers, offering up to 20% off the retail price.
Morningstar analyst Jeff Zhang predicts that this initiative will primarily benefit leading home appliance manufacturers like Midea, Gree, and Haier. He has increased his revenue forecasts for these companies by 2% to 5% for the coming years. Midea’s shares surged nearly 38% last year and could rise another 26% based on Morningstar’s price target. Haier’s shares also performed well, with a potential upside of 48% from their current price.
Citigroup analysts are also optimistic, maintaining their buy ratings for these three stocks following the stimulus announcement. They have set even higher price targets than Morningstar. However, they cautioned that price wars and a weak real estate market could negatively impact stock prices. Consumer demand in China has been sluggish since the pandemic, with home appliance prices falling 3.3% in December compared to the previous year.
China is expected to release retail sales and GDP figures soon. The new policy allows consumers who received subsidies last year to benefit again this year. The government has allocated a substantial 81 billion yuan for these trade-in subsidies through the Spring Festival.
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