Category Archives: Manufacturing

Whirlpool Reshapes Global Footprint: Reduces Stake in India, Halts Production in Argentina

Posted on by

Whirlpool Corporation is recalibrating its international operations with two major moves in India and Argentina, signaling a shift in its global appliance strategy.

📉 Stake in Whirlpool India Drops to 40%

On November 27, Whirlpool Corporation announced it had reduced its ownership in Whirlpool of India Limited from 51% to approximately 40%. The change follows the sale of 14.26 million equity shares by its wholly owned subsidiary, Whirlpool Mauritius Limited, in an on-market transaction.

While Whirlpool retains a significant minority stake, the move suggests a strategic realignment in one of Asia’s fastest-growing appliance markets. Whirlpool India remains a key player in refrigeration, laundry, and kitchen appliances, with a strong retail and service network across the subcontinent.

🛑 Production Ceases at Argentina’s Pilar Laundry Plant

Just a day earlier, on November 26, Whirlpool Argentina announced it will cease manufacturing operations at its Pilar Laundry Plant. Opened in 2022 with a $52 million investment, the facility was designed to produce 300,000 high-capacity washing machines annually and aimed to become Argentina’s largest appliance exporter—primarily serving Latin American markets like Brazil.

Despite the shutdown, Whirlpool confirmed it will maintain its commercial and after-sales service operations in Argentina, ensuring continued availability of products, accessories, and spare parts. The company emphasized its long-standing presence in the country, where it has operated for over 35 years.

Electrolux Unveils Global Restructure

Posted on by

Electrolux CEO Yannick Fierling has announced a sweeping global reorganisation aimed at sharpening the company’s customer focus—particularly in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. The restructure, effective 1 January 2026, marks Fierling’s one-year anniversary at the helm.

Under the new framework, Electrolux will replace its existing ‘Business Areas’ with newly defined ‘Regions.’ The former Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa (BA EA) division will be split into two distinct entities:

  • Region Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA)
  • Region Asia-Pacific (APAC)

Fierling explained that APAC will concentrate on commercial functions such as marketing, sales, and product lines, while other regions will also oversee operations like manufacturing. “These changes are designed to enhance customer responsiveness in APAC,” he said, noting that the new regional head will be announced soon.

Electrolux ANZ Managing Director Kurt Hegvold welcomed the restructure, calling it a win for the local market. “It brings our voice closer to senior leadership and strengthens ties with key partners and consumers. A flatter, leaner structure will help us move faster and serve customers more effectively,” he told Appliance Retailer.

Alongside the geographic overhaul, Electrolux has confirmed several leadership appointments:

  • Eduardo Mello becomes Head of Region Latin America, succeeding Leandro Jasiocha. Mello previously led Global Food Preservation and served as Commercial VP for Latin America for a decade.
  • Leandro Jasiocha steps into the role of Head of Region EMEA, replacing Anna Ohlsson-Leijon, who is departing to pursue external opportunities. Fierling praised Ohlsson-Leijon’s strategic leadership and lasting impact on the Group.
  • Patrick Minogue has been named Head of Region North America, following the retirement of Ricardo Cons.

Electrolux Sees Profits Surge as North American Comeback Powers Q3 Growth

Posted on by

Electrolux has posted a strong third-quarter performance, with operating profits more than doubling year-over-year—thanks largely to a revitalized North American business. The Swedish appliance giant, whose portfolio includes household names like Frigidaire and AEG, reported operating earnings of 890 million kronor ($94.5 million), up from 349 million kronor in the same period last year.

This impressive leap was fueled by a 5% organic sales increase, driven primarily by double-digit growth in North America. After years of grappling with high production costs, plant inefficiencies, and intense competition, Electrolux’s U.S. operations have turned a corner—gaining market share and helping to offset rising customs duties.

“Despite a pressured price environment, we were able to offset most of the cost increases related to US customs duties in the third quarter,” said CEO Yannick Fierling, highlighting the company’s resilience and strategic progress.

Arçelik Narrows Losses in Q3 2025, Eyes Global Gains

Posted on by

In the third quarter of 2025, Arçelik—majority owner of Beko Europe—reported a net loss of 2 billion Turkish lira (€41 million), falling short of analyst expectations, which had forecast a more modest 1.1 billion lira (€22 million) deficit. Despite the miss, the result marks a notable improvement over the same period in 2024, when losses ballooned to 5.6 billion lira (€114 million).

Revenue for the quarter declined 11% year-over-year, landing at 124 billion lira (€2.53 billion). The drop reflects a slowdown in domestic appliance demand, as many Turkish households had already front-loaded purchases in recent years to hedge against inflation.

Looking ahead, Arçelik aims to preserve EBITDA margins between 6% and 6.5% for the full year by trimming capital expenditures—from a projected €300 million down to €250 million.

On the global front, the company expects a 5–10% boost in foreign currency earnings by year-end, driven by performance across Beko Europe, Egypt, and Asia.

Whirlpool Tops Q3 Expectations with Solid Earnings

Posted on by

Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR), maker of Maytag and KitchenAid appliances, beat Wall Street forecasts in its third-quarter report released Monday.

The company posted net income of $73 million, or $1.29 per share. Adjusted earnings came in at $2.09 per share, well above the $1.41 estimate from analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research.

Revenue also impressed, reaching $4.03 billion, surpassing the expected $3.92 billion.

Looking ahead, Whirlpool reaffirmed its full-year earnings guidance of $7 per share, signaling continued confidence in its performance.

Whirlpool Corporation Announces $300 Million Investment

Posted on by

The Michigan-based manufacturer, which started in the U.S. in 1911 and has stayed in the U.S. throughout its history, is preparing to ramp up production at two Ohio facilities.
Whirlpool Corporation today announced a planned $300 million investment in its U.S. laundry manufacturing facilities, one in a series of strategic commitments to grow its American manufacturing footprint. This investment is expected to create between 400 and 600 new jobs across the company’s operations in Clyde and Marion, Ohio, positioning Whirlpool Corp. for increased production of its next generation of washers and dryers, while also supporting approximately 5,000 additional jobs outside the company.

Homa Global Breaks Ground on First Overseas Factory in Thailand

Posted on by

Homa Global has officially begun construction on its first overseas manufacturing base in Chonburi, Thailand. The groundbreaking ceremony on 28 September welcomed top executives and partners, marking a major step in the company’s global expansion.

With an initial investment of RMB 680 million and a total planned investment over RMB 1 billion, the 200,000-square-metre facility will include production lines for refrigerators and freezers, a components centre, offices, and a showroom. Operations are set to begin in 2026, boosting output by 3 million units annually and creating over 3,300 jobs.

CEO Michael Yao stated, “From Zhongshan to Chonburi, from local to global — we have forged our own path.” The smart, digital factory will be fully integrated with Homa’s China headquarters, strengthening supply chains and supporting global growth.

As the world’s largest refrigerator exporter and fourth in global production, Homa continues to lead in cooling innovation, now serving over 130 countrie

BSH to Cut 1,400 Jobs Amid Declining Market Demand

Posted on by

BSH Hausgeräte has announced plans to reduce its workforce by approximately 1,400 employees, citing persistent overproduction and weakening consumer demand. The decision, revealed at the company’s headquarters in Munich, reflects broader industry challenges including a sluggish real estate market and a growing shift toward budget-friendly appliances.

The restructuring will significantly impact two key manufacturing sites in Germany. The Bretten facility in Baden-WĂźrttemberg will see the most substantial changes, with the discontinuation of stove and extractor hood production, as well as logistics operations, by the end of Q1 2028. This move will affect around 980 employees.

Meanwhile, the Nauen site in Brandenburg will phase out washing machine production by mid-2027, impacting approximately 440 employees.

BSH emphasized that these measures are part of a long-term strategy to align production capacity with market realities and evolving consumer behavior

LG’s PuroTec™ Ushers in a New Era of Hygiene-First Home Appliances

Posted on by

LG Electronics has officially introduced its cutting-edge antimicrobial material, PuroTec™, to the European market—marking a pivotal moment for hygiene innovation in domestic appliances. Unveiled at K 2025, the world’s leading plastics and rubber trade fair in Düsseldorf, Germany, PuroTec™ is poised to redefine how we think about cleanliness and contamination control in everyday household products.

🔬 What Is PuroTec™?

PuroTec™ is a glass powder-based antimicrobial and antifungal additive. When incorporated into materials like plastic, paint, or rubber—even in small amounts—it actively combats odors and microbial contamination. Its versatility makes it ideal for a wide range of applications, but LG is placing a strong emphasis on its transformative potential in home appliances.

🏠 Domestic Appliances Get a Hygiene Upgrade

At the K Show, LG showcased a lineup of PuroTec™-enhanced products, with a spotlight on washing machines and refrigerators—two appliances that are especially vulnerable to moisture, mold, and bacterial buildup. By embedding PuroTec™ into the materials used in these appliances, LG is offering consumers a smarter, more sanitary solution for everyday living.

Other household items on display included:

– Bathroom fixtures with antimicrobial surfaces 
– Sofas and clothing treated to resist fungal growth 
– Automobile seats designed for cleaner, longer-lasting use 

This innovation aligns with growing consumer demand for health-conscious home environments, especially in the wake of heightened awareness around hygiene and indoor air quality.

Arçelik Secures €150 Million EBRD Loan to Accelerate Green Manufacturing in Turkey

Posted on by

Turkish home appliance giant Arçelik has announced a new €150 million ($173.9 million) financing agreement with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), aimed at advancing its environmentally sustainable manufacturing initiatives.

The funding will be split into two strategic components:

– €83 million will be allocated to Turkey’s first externally verified green loan in the manufacturing sector. This portion will support Arçelik’s comprehensive green investment program, including the transformation of production processes, modernization of facilities, and R&D efforts focused on developing eco-friendly appliances.

– €67 million will be used to upgrade key manufacturing sites—specifically, the refrigerator plant in Eskişehir and the cooking appliances facility in Bolu—enhancing energy efficiency and operational sustainability.

This latest investment builds on a previous €150 million EBRD loan that enabled Arçelik to produce quieter, more energy-efficient refrigerators and washing machines, which have seen strong demand in international markets.

According to the company, these new initiatives are designed to help meet its 2030 climate goals and align with the broader objectives of the Paris Agreement