After nearly five months of negotiations, Beko Europe has finalized a framework agreement with the government, Regions, and social partners to implement an industrial transformation plan for the sites previously owned by Merloni and Whirlpool. This milestone agreement, endorsed by 88% of workers’ assemblies, marks a significant step in modernizing operations while prioritizing job preservation.
Minister Adolfo Urso hailed the agreement as “historic and essential for governing this industrial transition, safeguarding the exceptional strength of Made in Italy, which is becoming a key driver in Europe for this major multinational.” Fatih Ebiçlioğlu, President of Beko Europe and the Consumer Durables division of Koç Holding, echoed the sentiment, stating, “Italy has always been a strategic pillar for our global activities, and today’s agreement is a decisive step for our group’s future in the country.”
**Employment Measures and Investment Commitments**
The agreement successfully reduces redundancies from over 1,935 to 937 positions. Additionally, 287 workers at the Siena site (bringing the total to 1,284) will have access to conservative social safety nets and voluntary exit incentives. Beko has committed to managing any potential surpluses until 2027 exclusively through these measures, offering incentives such as 48-month pension slips and severance packages of up to €90,000 for workers over fifty who are ineligible for pension requirements.
**Site-Specific Developments and Investment Plans**
– **Cassinetta di Biandronno (VA)**: This site will focus on producing built-in cooking and refrigeration appliances, supported by €136 million in investments for product development, research, and energy efficiency improvements, including €8.5 million for solar panel installations.
– **Melano (AN)**: Set to become a European hub for gas, radiant, and induction hobs, the site will benefit from a €62 million investment in product and process development, with €1.5 million allocated for energy efficiency enhancements and solar panels.
– **Comunanza (AP)**: Maintaining its role in producing washer-dryers and high-capacity models, the site will introduce a new product line with €15 million in investments, including €3 million for sustainability measures.
– **Carinaro**: Strengthened as a central hub for spare parts and accessories, the site will manage European order fulfillment and appliance regeneration. A €5 million investment will expand storage capacity and modernize technological processes.
– **Fabriano**: The electronics Research and Development hub, originally slated for closure, will remain operational, underscoring Beko’s commitment to innovation.
A Historic €300 Million Investment Plan
The €300 million investment plan aims to modernize products, upgrade facilities, and ensure the long-term viability of all factories, safeguarding employment levels while driving innovation.
Category Archives: Manufacturing
Elba Haier factory sustainability
Elba factory part of Haier Europe in Borso del Grappa has made great strides in sustainability, reflecting their commitment to creating a safe and environmentally friendly workplace.
In terms of energy efficiency, the factory has significantly decreased gas consumption and energy intensity. Water usage has also been optimized, resulting in a 24% reduction through activities in the water treatment system and process water use. Additionally, the factory has achieved a 98% waste recycling rate and reduced total waste by 13%.
These milestones are also reflected in the achievement of UNI/PdR 125:2022 certification for gender equality and UNI INAL certification for health and safety.
Elba’s product portfolio includes “Made in Italy” cookers, ovens, hobs, and hoods, which are exported to around 80 markets worldwide
Miele ribless drum washing machine
Laundry technology has evolved remarkably over the past two decades, with machines reaching peak energy efficiency. As further reductions in energy consumption become increasingly challenging, manufacturers are shifting their focus to sustainability in fabric care. Traditional washing machine drums feature ribs that create friction, leading to fiber abrasion and premature wear on textiles. However, removing these ribs poses a challenge—without them, laundry struggles to rotate properly in the drum.
Miele has introduced an innovative solution with the Nova Edition W2, the first washing machine featuring a ribless drum. Instead of conventional ridges, it utilizes honeycomb-shaped formations—dubbed “royal combs”—which gently guide laundry through the wash cycle. The true breakthrough lies in its dynamic motion. Rather than continuous rotation, the drum oscillates back and forth like a swing, intelligently adjusting until optimal fabric movement is achieved. This cutting-edge system processes over 700 technical signals per minute to ensure efficient and gentle washing.
Miele’s Next Leap Forward
The W2 Nova stands as Miele’s most advanced washing machine to date. With this innovation, the company aims to create another milestone in laundry care, reminiscent of its pioneering honeycomb drum and water spray technology introduced 25 years ago. By rethinking fabric treatment, Miele continues to push boundaries in sustainability and intelligent laundry solutions.
The Washing Machine Project And Whirlpool Foundation
Half the global population washes clothes by hand which is time-consuming and labor-intensive. To help reclaim time and change lives, the Whirlpool Foundation and The Washing Machine Project have joined forces to bring thousands of manual washing machines to communities around the world.https://www.forbes.com/sites/afdhelaziz/2025/03/04/how-the-washing-machine-project-and-whirlpool-foundation-help-women-gain-independence/?trk=feed-detail_main-feed-card_feed-article-content
Hibsan Breaks New Ground: Turkey’s First A+++ Energy Class Range Hood Manufacturer
Hibsan has made history as the first Turkish range hood manufacturer to achieve the coveted A+++ energy efficiency rating. Renowned for their innovative approach, Hibsan’s range hoods combine cutting-edge design with remarkable energy-saving capabilities, meeting the stringent European standards. The A+++ classification highlights an exceptional balance between low electricity consumption and outstanding extraction performance, cementing Hibsan’s reputation as a trailblazer in the home appliance industry
LG expand production facilities
LG Electronics is expanding its production facilities in emerging markets such as India and Brazil while strengthening new business channels, including appliance subscription services and B2B operations The company is currently constructing its third factory in India, located in Sri City, Andhra Pradesh, to meet the growing demand for premium home appliances. In Brazil, LG is building a new production facility in Fazenda Rio Grande, set for completion next year. This will be the company’s second manufacturing plant in the country, focused on premium appliances and components
Building Bridges: APPLiA and China’s SAMR Collaborate on Market Surveillance and Sustainability
In the lead-up to the annual International Roundtable of Household Appliance Manufacturer Associations (IRHMA), APPLiA’s Director General Paolo Falcioni recently engaged in discussions with China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) in Beijing. The meeting centered on the EU Market Surveillance Framework and its crucial role in promoting product safety, regulatory compliance, and consumer protection.
As global markets become increasingly interconnected, such dialogues are pivotal in fostering mutual understanding and collaboration on key regulatory issues. The discussion highlighted opportunities for both regions to address the challenges of globalization, with a particular focus on advancing sustainability and innovation.
The exchange also delved into strategies for enhancing market oversight, navigating the complexities of international trade, and bolstering competitiveness on a global scale.
Haier targets $2 billion sales in India in 3-4 years
The home appliances maker has earmarked an investment of over Rs 1,000 crore between 2024-2028 to set up new AC Production and Injection Molding Units. It has already ploughed in Rs 2,400 crore in its plants at Pune and Greater Noida so far.
With this new plant, Haier India’s capacity would increase to 4 million units per annum from the present 1.5 million
Groupe Seb results
Groupe Seb published its 2024 annual results, which demonstrate sustained commercial momentum and an improvement in its profitability in a still uncertain economic context. Its turnover reached €8.266 billion and shows an increase of 3.2% in published data and 5% at constant exchange rates and scope.
This performance was mainly driven by the Consumer business , with organic growth of 6% (+9% excluding China). The Group thus returned to solid growth in Western Europe and North America, while Eastern Europe and South America continued their double-digit growth. For its part, the Professional business experienced a year of consolidation after strong performances in 2023. Although its sales fell by 4.5%, 2024 represents the second best year in history in terms of revenue for coffee. ” 2024 was also marked by major strategic advances: the launch of a hub in China for Professional Coffee and the strengthening of our expertise in Professional Culinary with the acquisition of the Sofilac Group ,” said Stanislas de Gramont , CEO.
At the same time, operating profit from activity (ROPA) increased by 10.5% to reach €802 million. The operating margin thus improved to 9.7% of sales, compared to 9.1% in 2023. This increase is explained by a positive volume effect and a decrease in the cost of sales, which more than offset the commercial and marketing investments made to support growth.
Paolo Bertazzoni
Paolo Bertazzoni has been inducted into the NKBA Kitchen & Bath Industry Hall of Fame 2025. This prestigious recognition celebrates his exceptional leadership in Italian design and innovation since 1978, as well as his visionary role as CEO since 1999
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