Category Archives: Manufacturing

Miele continues to grow – and builds production plant in the USA

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Miele have announced an important step for future growth: With the new plant in the USA, we will manufacture the special range cookers and ovens for the USA, Canada and Mexico in close proximity to the market. This will not only save on shipping but will also free up new capacities at our existing production sites in Arnsberg, Bünde and Oelde. Start of production planned for end of 2024 / First expansion phase with
150 employees

The decision on the specific location will follow within the coming months

In order to continue and further strengthen its growth course, the Miele Group is expanding its production capacities. The next milestone is the Gütersloh-based family group’s first plant on the American continent, where ovens are to be manufactured for the USA, Canada and Mexico. For the world’s leading manufacturer of premium domestic appliances and machines for commercial use, this is the eighth production site outside Germany, out of a total of 16 plants.

Thanks to its high-quality ovens, hobs, steam cookers, cooker hoods and other attractive products, the business unit Cooking has been one of the Miele Group’s most important growth drivers for many years – most recently generating more than € 1.1 bn in sales, representing an increase of almost 13%. “We are planning for further increases in unit sales in the coming years,” says Dr. Uwe Brunkhorst, Senior Vice President Business Unit Cooking, “and this means that our current production sites in Arnsberg, Bünde and Oelde are approaching the limits of their capacities”.

There are several good reasons behind our decision to produce in the USA in future. “Even today, the United States represent Miele’s biggest market outside Germany, with considerable growth rates recently but still plenty of potential”, says Dr. Axel Kniehl, Executive Director Marketing & Sales with the Miele Group. Manufacturing locally is therefore a logical step and sends out a strong signal to our customers there. This also dispenses with the need to ship appliances across the Atlantic: “This reduces delivery times from currently up to 10 weeks to only a few days, whilst at the same time protecting the environment”, says Dr. Stefan Breit, Executive Director Technology. In order to further reduce CO2 emissions, the majority of supplier parts will also come from the USA.

In a first step, at this new plant, Miele will manufacture 30-inch ovens and large, versatile range cookers, both designed specifically for North America. Large-format cooker hoods will be added later. Production is scheduled to start at the end of 2024; in a first step, the workforce will grow to 150 employees by the end of 2025. A decision on the precise location will be made and communicated over the coming months. What a second stage expansion might look like, with a view to further product groups and the personnel required for this, will be reviewed at a later date.

Today, production within the business unit Cooking is distributed as follows: Hobs and steam ovens as well as warmer drawers come from the Bünde plant (approx. 730 employees), cooker hoods are manufactured in Arnsberg (approx. 250 employees) and conventional ovens and dialogue ovens come from Oelde (approx. 670 employees), all situated in Germany. The particularly versatile steam ovens are produced in Bünde or Oelde, depending on the model. The Production of the large-format series to the new plant will not in any way weaken Arnsberg, Bünde or Oelde. On the contrary: “We will become more efficient through less complexity and at the same time free up the urgently needed capacities for future growth with the remaining model series”, says Uwe Brunkhorst.

Including the new plant, the Miele Group’s international production network will then comprise a total of 16 plants, eight of them in Germany and one each in Austria, China, the Czech Republic, Romania, Poland and the USA. In addition to this, there are also two plants belonging to the Italian medical technology subsidiary Steelco Group.

GE new induction manufacturing line

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GE USA announce their newest induction cooktop lineup is now rolling off the manufacturing line in Georgia.

These GeorgiaMade products – built by our team in LaFayette – deliver the latest in industry-leading induction innovation, which means faster, more efficient heating and an easier-to-clean surface.

Vorwerk celebrating 140 years

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Vorwerk is 140 years old – and that means 140 years of passion and innovation. Founded in the valley of the Wupper river as a carpet factory, Vorwerk also moved into the production of household appliances (Kobold vacuum cleaners) in 1929. The advantages of the first, powerful Kobold model could not be conveyed via retail sales – This gave way to direct sales at Vorwerk and certainly the most important milestone in Vorwerk’s history. Today Vorwerk is the number one direct sales company in Europe and a world leader in the direct sales of high-quality household appliances. In 2021, the Group generated sales totaling € 3.4 billion, a new company record.

The company owes its success to the people who are enthusiastic about the brand and its products and who actively support it. The Vorwerk community consists of 100,000 sales Advisors and some 9,000 employees, as well as many, many customers around the globe. It is precisely these people’s passion that has made Vorwerk so successful.

Vorwerk’s Company History
Back in 1883, Carl Vorwerk founded Barmer Teppichfabrik Vorwerk & Co., a small carpet factory and the cornerstone of today’s global brand. In doing so, he demonstrated entrepreneurial prowess because until then, high-quality carpets had only been manufactured in England. In 1907, Carl Vorwerk handed over the reins of the company to his son-in-law, August Mittelsten Scheid, who was himself the scion of an industrial family in business in Barmen since 1764. By 1909, the Vorwerk name had already become a familiar one beyond the region and the company was growing rapidly. It stepped up its carpet production, erected new buildings and set up the company’s own machine workshop. By this time, the product spectrum was constantly expanding and at that time, ranged from car axles to gramophone motors.

The invention of the radio brought the market for gramophones to its knees. Although, a new idea would save the day: The gramophone motor became a motor for a vacuum cleaner. In 1929, the Kobold was something of a small revolution: a handy appliance – but nevertheless one that was very effective. However, the market was not yet ready for that innovation, and prospective customers could not appreciate the advantages of the Kobold model from merely seeing it on sale in a retail store. Once again, a revolutionary idea would save the day, namely the introduction of direct sales in Germany – certainly the most important milestone in the company’s history. Brought back from the USA by August Mittelsten Scheid’s son, Werner in 1930, this people-oriented sales concept would become Vorwerk’s trademark and the secret of its success.

In 1953, Dr. Erich Mittelsten Scheid took on sole management of the company and initiated far-reaching changes, such as expanding the product range and opening up further to international markets. In 1968, akf bank became the first service brand to join the Group.

In 1969, Erich Mittelsten Scheid handed the Vorwerk reins over to his nephew, Dr. Jörg Mittelsten Scheid, who from 1969 to 2005 played a crucial role in shaping the company, turning it into an internationally successful corporate group. Expansion of the product portfolio is among the achievements that fall within his time at the helm: Already in 1971, the Thermomix® became the first multifunctional food processor and cooking appliance to be launched onto the market. Pushing ahead with its consistent strategy of internationalisation, Vorwerk founded its first foreign subsidiary abroad in China, in 1990, and subsidiaries in Eastern Europe soon followed. At the end of 2005, Dr. Jörg Mittelsten Scheid stepped down from the management of the company, but today continues to oversee the company as Honorary Chairman of the Supervisory Board. With Dr. Thomas Stoffmehl, Hauke Paasch and Dr. Thomas Rodemann, a three-member Executive Board now manages the fortunes of the Group, whereas the owner family provides continuity in its fifth generation.

New 90cm cooker from Ferre

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Ferre announce their latest model F9S50GF-DIXWF.
Stylish Series 90×60 Full Gas Free Standing Cooker with Touch Digital Timer, Double Turbo Fans, Internal Cooling Fan System, Triple Glassed Oven Door System, Soft Close Oven Door, Thermal Reflection Inner Glass (Low-E), Decor Stainless Steel Finishing, Telescopic Shelf System, Turnspit (Chicken Rotisserie), Cathalitic Shelfs, Splash Back, Excellent Finishing

Electrolux climate neutral

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Electrolux will continue to reduce its environmental footprint by shifting to renewables, and optimizing the use of energy and other resources throughout its operations. We aim to have climate neutral operations by 2030.

2022 highlights
Almost 10% reduction of carbon emissions for scope 1 and 2 (2015 baseline), surpassing our 2025 science-based climate target.
55% of Electrolux plants were certified according to our Zero Waste to Landfill program by the end of 2022.
Sourced 98% of our electricity came from renewable sources.
Roadmap to 2030
Reduce our CO2 footprint by 85% by 2025 (2015 baseline) and achieve climate neutral operations by 2030.
Improve energy efficiency at our manufacturing sites and warehouses by an additional 12.5% by 2025 (2020 baseline).
Improve water efficiency at our manufacturing sites by 25% by 2025 (2020 baseline) in potential water risk areas, until the site has reached optimal levels of efficiency.
Increase the proportion of renewable energy for our operations to 65% by 2025.
Certify all plants to the Zero Waste to Landfill program by 2025

Arçelik, Parent Company of Dawlance, Establishes a Research Center

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Arçelik has established its second R&D center in Pakistan at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST). Arçelik is the 2nd largest manufacturer in Europe, operates in 53 countries with 83 subsidiaries has 30 R&D centers around the World.
Arçelik produces leading sustainable and innovative home appliances products at its, cutting-edge technologies in nine countries. For fostering innovations in Pakistan, Arçelik established an R&D center in Karachi in 2017 just after the acquisition of Dawlance and now is making a new investment to establish an Arcelik Global Research & Development (R&D) Center, at the National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST), in Islamabad to accelerate its effort to grow in Pakistani market.

BSH Egypt factory

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Today BSH celebrates the groundbreaking of their first factory for cookers in Egypt – and on the African continent.
This is an important milestone for growing BSH business in Africa and the region. With range-cookers from this factory, we will improve quality of life at home for consumers in Africa and in the Middle East.

“It is a great pleasure to celebrate at this place, where ancient civilization meets modern manufacturing.” – Rudolf Klötscher, Chief Sales & Service Officer and Head of Region Emerging Markets.

Midea’s Best-Selling Microwave Receives First-Ever Intertek Green Leaf Certification

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The Midea microwave oven MM720C-PM0E00 2AT has recently received the first Green Leaf Certification from Intertek for one of its globally best-selling microwave oven products, as being in accordance with the ISO 14067:2018 standard, which specifies principles and guidelines for the quantification and reporting of the carbon footprint of a product (CFP). This is the first Green Leaf Certification Intertek provided for a microwave ovenThe MM720C-PM0E00 2AT, is an eco-friendly microwave oven with outstanding performance. Its capacity of 20L is ideal for small families. The microwave’s 700W power ensures fast and efficient heating, while featuring five power levels and can easily defrost based on the time or weight of the food. With these features and the 360° heating, it can ensure even cooking without cold spots and also prevent overcooking.

“Being awarded the Green Leaf Certification from Intertek is a testament to the Midea’scommitment to environmental protection and sustainability in our products. By taking steps to reduce the carbon footprint and minimize its impact on the environment, Midea is helping to create a better future for everyone and will continue to work hard to develop products that are both high-quality and eco-friendly.” said Dr. Zhou Fuchang, R&D Director at Midea Microwave & Cleaning Appliances Division.

The Green Leaf Certification is a comprehensive certification program that helps companies validate their environmental claims. It is awarded toproducts that have been independently verified by an accredited laboratory and found to conform to specified existing environmental standards and regulations. The certification allows companies to clearly and accurately communicate their commitment to sustainability and environmental protection to consumers.

Electrolux says costs cuts on track at North America plants

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Electrolux, Europe’s biggest appliances maker, said on Monday it was on track to slash costs at underperforming plants in North America as part of its ongoing efficiency programme in the region.

“Cost per unit in the Anderson and Springfield factories will significantly improve near-term, reaching competitive cost levels,” the Swedish group said in a statement ahead of presentations to investors later in the day.

“Another key earnings contributor for business area North America is commercial growth in higher value categories, which the investments in new and innovative modular product architectures enable,” it said

Electrolux has invested heavily in its North American plants in recent years, but the pandemic and component shortages have delayed the ramp-up of local production.

The group ahead of the capital markets day in Stockholm reiterated a business and market outlook given in February, and its financial targets.

It last month predicted lower sales volumes in 2023 due to weaker consumer confidence and demand across Europe, North America and Latin America and said it may not be able to fully pass on higher energy and labour costs.

The rival to Whirlpool repeated it had “a clear path to reach” a target that the aftermarket segment will account for 10% of group sales in 2025.

Haier builds 1st plant in Egypt

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China’s home appliance giant Haier held a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday for its first Egyptian factory, aiming to boost the manufacturing industry and provide local jobs in the North African country.

Haier Egypt Ecological Park, invested by Haier Group’s subsidiary Haier Smart Home with a total of 160 million U.S. dollars, will cover an area of 200,000 square meters in the 10th of Ramadan City of northeastern Sharqia Province.

Speaking at the ceremony, Hossam Heiba, the CEO of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones of Egypt, hailed the strong economic ties between Egypt and China, saying that the Egyptian government attaches great importance to the cooperation with China and is ready to attract more Chinese investment, especially in technology and engineering industries as well as home appliances, which will help the Egyptian economy to move up the value chain.

Haier Egypt Ecological Park is an important project as it will facilitate the transfer of home appliance manufacturing technology and create about 2,000 jobs in Egypt,