Haier Europe Appliances Holding has completed the acquisition of Budapest-based air conditioning wholesaler and contractor Klima Kft.
First announced in March, the transaction encompasses all of Klima’s assets, channels and expertise. Haier insists the deal will bolster its presence in Central and Eastern Europe and accelerate the promotion of its sustainable HVAC solutions across the region
BSH, the home appliance division of the Munich-based Bosch Group, has been a fixture in New Bern, North Carolina, since 1997. With its North American headquarters based in California, BSH manufactures high-quality appliances under the Bosch, Thermador, and Gaggenau brands.
Now, the company is making a significant investment to establish New Bern as a central hub for cooking and dishwashing research, innovation, and manufacturing. This expansion also strengthens BSH’s distribution and customer support operations across the United States.
Darcy Clarkson, CEO of BSH Region North America, emphasized the importance of this move:
“BSH’s manufacturing operation has long called North Carolina home, and this expansion reflects the deepening of a valued relationship. New Bern’s role within BSH is growing, and this investment is one of several exciting developments that will expand our footprint, create new jobs, and drive innovation as we look to the future, with North America designated as a key growth region for BSH.”
With this latest investment, BSH continues to reinforce its commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainable growth in the U.S. market.
The year 2025 marks a milestone for Sabaf Group as it celebrates 75 years since the founding of its parent company, Sabaf SpA. From humble beginnings in a small factory in Lumezzane (BS), the company has grown into a global powerhouse, operating across four continents with 15 production sites and a workforce of over 1,800 employees. This journey, built on passion, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, is a testament to Sabaf’s enduring legacy.
Sabaf’s story began in 1950 when Giuseppe Saleri, alongside his father and brothers, established SABAF (an acronym for SAleri BAttista & Figli) in Lumezzane (BS). Initially focused on manufacturing brass taps and fittings for the agricultural sector, the company quickly adapted to market demands, embracing the rising household appliance industry.
Over the decades, Sabaf evolved from a producer of agricultural fittings to a multinational leader in high-tech components for household appliances. Today, the company specializes in designing and manufacturing taps, thermostats, burners, hinges, electronics, and cutting-edge induction cooking systems.
As Sabaf Group celebrates this historic milestone, it remains dedicated to its core values: innovation, quality, and an unwavering focus on customer needs. Here’s to 75 years of excellence—and an exciting future ahead!
At the APPLiA Italia Assembly, GfK unveiled fresh insights into Italy’s large household appliance market, and the numbers tell an interesting story. In the first quarter, the market saw a 2.4% rise in value and a notable 3.8% surge in volume—a clear sign that average prices are edging downward.
Once upon a time, European homes were filled with trusted brands like Indesit washing machines and Hoover vacuum cleaners—hallmarks of engineering excellence. These names still exist, but their origins have shifted dramatically.
Over the past decade, the European consumer electronics landscape has undergone a seismic transformation. Asian conglomerates have systematically acquired household European brands, reshaping the market’s dynamics.
According to data from Euromonitor International and GfK, Chinese brands—both native and those acquired—now hold 42% of the European consumer electronics market, up from **18%** in 2015. A closer look reveals:
– **Pure Chinese brands** (Haier, Midea, Hisense, TCL) – **22% share (€47bn)**
– **Chinese-owned former European brands** (Candy, Gorenje) – **20% share (€43bn)**
Meanwhile, Turkish powerhouse **Arçelik (Beko)** controls **15%** of the market (€32bn), acquiring brands such as Grundig, Indesit, and Whirlpool’s European operations.
Korean giants **Samsung and LG** maintain **28%** combined market share (€60bn), predominantly leading the premium segment.
What remains of truly European brands—**Electrolux, Miele, Liebherr, Bosch-Siemens**—accounts for just **15%** market share (€32bn). However, their survival strategy hinges on a **strategic retreat to the premium market**, where profit margins soar **3-4 times higher** than the mass segment.
The Shift to Premium: A Temporary Haven?
European brands are no longer battling for dominance in lower price tiers. According to McKinsey’s 2024 European Appliance Report, **78%** of European brand revenue now stems from step-up and premium products (€300+ price points), a segment where Chinese competition remains limited.
But the real question remains—can European brands maintain their stronghold in the premium space? Or is this merely delaying the inevitable?
Just 8 km from the center of Łódź, E.G.O. Polska Sp. z o.o.’s (E.G.O. Poland) new site is taking shape. Construction is in its final stages. The façade and roof are complete, and all windows, doors, and gates have been installed. The technical infrastructure is also in place. Work on the production and administration rooms and sanitary facilities is also well underway. The gradual relocation to the new premises is scheduled to begin in a few weeks. The modern facilities will produce electronic systems for dryers, washing machines, refrigerators, and coffee machines, as well as control panels for dishwashers and induction heating elements. They will also house a new research and development center where innovative user interfaces and connectivity solutions for inductive cooking will be developed
Zorlu Holding, a prominent Turkish conglomerate, is undertaking a significant restructuring effort, including the sale of assets and job cuts, as it grapples with a substantial $4.9 billion debt. Bloomberg reports that the İstanbul-based group will eliminate 2,000 positions, roughly 10% of the workforce at its electronics arm, Vestel Elektronik.
The move comes amidst a sharp decline in Vestel’s financial performance. In the first quarter of 2025, Vestel reported a net loss of 5.08 billion Turkish lira ($157 million),
The De’ Longhi Group saw a robust 14.6% increase in revenue during the first quarter of 2025, driven by sustained growth in the household sector (+7.2%) and a remarkable 22% expansion in the professional division on a pro-forma basis.
A key contributor to this success was the coffee segment, which accounted for 65% of the Group’s turnover. Market expansion continued across major geographical regions, fueled by the rising global adoption of espresso and a growing consumer preference for high-quality, diverse beverage options. This trend has reinforced the premiumization of the market, further boosting demand.
The combination of increased sales volumes and an enhanced product mix in the household division, alongside the strong performance of the professional sector, led to improved margins compared to Q1 2024. At the same time, these gains enabled the Group to strengthen its investments in media and communication, supporting continued brand growth.
LG Electronics has halved production at its Haiphong, Vietnam, refrigerator plant, anticipating potential risks as the U.S. government’s 46% tariff on Vietnamese goods nears its 90-day suspension deadline.
The company, which manufactures over 11 million refrigerators annually across Vietnam, Mexico, and India, is shifting output to its Monterrey facility in Mexico to maintain stable U.S. supply while adjusting operations in Vietnam.
Panasonic Holdings plans to shed about 10,000 jobs, or about 5 percent of its global workforce. The move is part of a drastic overhaul focusing on unprofitable businesses.The firm is considering selling its TV business and breaking up a unit that specializes in home appliances, air conditioners and lighting.
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