Category Archives: Manufacturing

Whirlpool Corporation completed the sale of its Embraco

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Whirlpool Corporation completed the sale of its Embraco business unit to Kyoto, Japan-based Nidec Corporation. Embraco is a leading manufacturer of hermetic compressors for refrigeration.

Embraco was sold to Nidec for a cash purchase price of $1.08 billion, subject to customary working capital and indebtedness adjustments. The sale is consistent with the Company’s strategic focus on its consumer-facing business.

“Our decision to sell the Embraco business is related to the broader goal of delivering value for consumers through cutting-edge, high-quality products that solve everyday problems,” said João Carlos Brega, President, Whirlpool Latin America.

Headquartered in Brazil, Embraco has been a Whirlpool Corporation business unit since 1994. The organization has a workforce of nearly 10,000 employees in seven plants in Brazil, China, Slovakia and Mexico, along with commercial offices in the U.S., Italy and Russia.

Embraco will remain a significant supplier of hermetic compressors to Whirlpool Corporation.

Bulgarian refrigerators and freezers producer Liebherr-Hausgerate Marica, said that its net profit plunged

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Bulgarian refrigerators and freezers producer Liebherr-Hausgerate Marica, part of Swiss-headquartered Liebherr Group, said that its net profit plunged to 716,000 levs ($416,000/366,000 euro) in 2018 from 13 million levs the year before.

Liebherr-Hausgerate Marica’s sales of finished goods fell to 402.7 million levs last year from 412.0 million levs in 2017, the company said in an annual financial statement.

The company manufactured 898,000 refrigerators and freezers in 2018.

Expenses for materials fell to 306.8 million levs in 2018 from 321.0 million levs in 2017, while personnel costs rose to 49.5 million levs from 48.7 million levs.

Amortisation and depreciation costs edged down to 26.1 million levs last year from 26.9 million levs in 2017. Expenses for hired services amounted to 19.2 million levs in 2018, up from 18.0 million levs the year before.

The company’s assets fell to 250.9 million levs at the end of 2018 from 271.1 million levs a year earlier.

Liebherr-Hausgerate Marica employed 1,903 people at the end of 2018.

Liebherr-Hausgerate Marica manufactures table-height refrigerators and freezers, non-regulated combined fridge-freezers, as well as top freezers, at its 252,800 sq. m. production plant near Plovdiv.

Electrolux wins two Singapore Good Design Mark Awards

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Electrolux has won two prestigious Singapore Good Design Mark Awards (SG Mark) for its Multi Door Refrigerator and UltimateCare™ 500 washing machine and dryer set.

SG Mark Award winners (L-R) Swaminathan Iyer, Eric Leong, Daniel Chee, Eunice Cheng from Electrolux Design Team

The Electrolux Design team were recently awarded at a ceremony in Singapore for their human-centric designs that offer outstanding consumer experiences and improve everyday living.
Electrolux Chief Design Officer Pernilla Johansson said: “We’re proud that these products – designed to make life better and more sustainable for consumers – have been awarded the prestigious SG Mark. Congratulations to all those involved.”

The winners
The Electrolux NutriFresh™ Multi Door Refrigerator features microclimate zones and Smart Split doors which reduce climate fluctuations and energy waste, creating an environment that allows it to preserve the quality of a wide array of food.
Different food types require unique storage conditions to stay fresh. To keep meat and fish fresh, many people resort to deep freezing but this Electrolux refrigerator comes with the UltraChill setting at -2°C which keeps items very cold but not frozen. This helps to preserve the texture of food for longer and reduces the need to defrost.

The new NutriFresh™ refrigerator also comes with a FlexFresh drawer, an optimal storage compartment with five temperature settings (-23°C to +7°C). This enables the user to store all types of food – from cheese and wine, meat and seafood, to cold drinks and frozen items – at the right temperature to help them stay fresh.

For example, deli snacks such as cold cuts and cheese should be kept at a temperature of +3°C while the optimal temperature for frozen food is between -18°C to -23°C. This drawer gives the user the flexibility to store items at the temperature that suits them best.

To help retain the juiciness of your produce, this refrigerator comes with a TasteLock Crisper with AutoHumidity Control which automatically adjusts humidity levels depending on the contents of the drawer. The AutoHumidity Control releases excess moisture from the compartment to help keep fruits and vegetables fresh for up to 7 days.
It also has a TwinTech Cooling System that cools the fridge and freezer compartments separately, so food stays fresher and odors don’t mix. The independent systems ensure optimal cooling and humidity to keep items in their freshest condition.
Meanwhile, the UltimateCare™ 500 Front Load Washing Machine and Dryer set comes with Vapour Care Technology that softens fabric while reducing wrinkles by up to 22%, resulting in the clothes that need less ironing. The same technology also eradicates 99.9% of allergens and germs, and it also comes with a SmartSensor in the dryer to eliminate over-drying, meaning laundry emerges clean and is longer lasting.

LG Licenses Advanced Refrigerator Technologies To GE Appliances LG Grants Use of Door-Ice Making Patents for Premium Refrigerators

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LG Electronics (LG) is licensing its patented refrigerator door-ice making technology for use in refrigerators sold by GE Appliances, which Haier acquired in 2016. Terms were not disclosed.

The license agreement follows months of negotiations over GE Appliances’ use of LG’s patented technologies. The agreement underscores the value of LG’s patent portfolio and the company’s leadership in home appliances with more than 400 patents related to door-ice making technology.

LG’s patented door-ice making technology allows for slim and sleek profile designs that maximize usable space inside the refrigerator.
LG’s patented door-ice making technology allows for slim and sleek profile designs that maximize usable space inside the refrigerator.
This door-ice making technology takes up less room than a conventional refrigerator ice maker and frees up more space for food storage in the refrigeration compartment.
This door-ice making technology takes up less room than a conventional refrigerator ice maker and frees up more space for food storage in the refrigeration compartment.
LG’s patented door-ice making technology allows for slim and sleek profile designs that maximize usable space inside the refrigerator. This door-ice making technology takes up less room than a conventional refrigerator ice maker and frees up more space for food storage in the refrigeration compartment.

“Our desire to deliver more convenience and functionality to customers drives us to develop innovative new core technologies such as our door-ice making inventions,” said Dan Song, president of LG Electronics Home Appliance & Air Solution Company. “At the same time, as seen in this major patent licensing agreement, LG is committed to actively protecting our intellectual property.”

About LG Electronics Home Appliance & Air Solution Company
The LG Home Appliance & Air Solution Company is a global leader in home appliances, smart home solutions, air quality systems as well as visionary products featuring artificial intelligence. The company is creating total solutions for the home with its industry leading core technologies and is committed to making life better for consumers around the world by developing thoughtfully designed kitchen appliances, living appliances and air solution products. Together, these products deliver enhanced convenience, superb performance, efficient operation and compelling health benefits. For more information, visit http://www.LG.com.

SOURCE LG Electronics USA

Whirlpool confirms EUR 250 million investment in Italy

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Whirlpool confirmed its strong commitment to Italy as a strategic industrial and market base for the EMEA Region. In particular, the company has confirmed investments of €250 million for the 3-year period 2019-2021.
Over EUR 80 million have so far been allocated to these sites in 2019. The specialisation of the plants have been reconfirmed for the industrial sites of Cassinetta di Biandronno – VA (EMEA centre for built-in cooling and cooking products), Melano – AN (regional hub for high-end hobs) and Siena (horizontal freezers), a press release states.

The reshoring from Poland of built-in washing machines and washer/dryers in Comunanza – AP (EMEA hub for the production of built-in washing machines and washer/dryers) is confirmed. As a result, the site will see an increase in volumes that will bring the total production to over 800K units.

Regarding the Naples plant, Whirlpool EMEA intends to proceed with the reconversion of the site and to sell the business to a third party.

LG SIGNATURE’S Combination Of Superior Design And Technology Set To Conquer New Markets

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Premium Brand Hosts Exclusive Launch Events in Japan and Norway Successfully expanding its presence in the global premium home appliance market, LG SIGNATURE is making its much anticipated debut in Japan and the Nordic countries. To celebrate the brand’s arrival, exclusive launch events were held complete with talks from local experts sharing their personal and professional perspectives on LG SIGNATURE products. The superior range of luxury appliances offers compelling user experiences through cutting-edge technology, user-friendly functions and stunning aesthetics.

The launch events featured a design gallery named The Art of Essence through Minimalism created in partnership with acclaimed Italian photographer, Delfino Sisto Legnani. In a series of gorgeous images, the artist perfectly captures the timeless elegance of the appliances within the starkly beautiful Monte Amiata condominium, an iconic residential complex located in the Gallaratese district of Milan.

An award-winning photographer, Delfino is renowned for his minimalist images. Explaining his choice of location, he said, “I wanted to combine the formal purity of LG SIGNATURE products with the simplified and absolute forms, out of scale, with respect to the products themselves, of the Monte Amiata complex, generating absolute shots, unrelated to time.”

LG SIGNATURE’s Japan launch event took place early this month at Tokyo’s National Art Center, a facility designed by legendary Japanese architect, Kisho Kurokawa. On hand to witness the unveiling of the LG SIGNATURE TV, Refrigerator, Washing Machine and Air Purifier were over 250 VIP guests. A panel featuring highly-regarded local filmmaker, Ando Momoko, noted chef Kinoshita Takemasa, and other influential Japanese trendsetters including the announcer, Baba Noriko, gathered to talk about LG SIGNATURE products, unreservedly praising their ability to help create a better, more convenient lifestyle.

To mark LG SIGNATURE’s arrival in the Nordic countries, a launch event was held on June 13 at Astrup Fearnley Museet, one of the biggest contemporary art galleries in Oslo, Norway’s ultra-stylish capital city. The more than 200 guests in attendance were able to get a first-hand look at the exceptional yet understated LG SIGNATURE TV, Refrigerator, Washing Machine, Air Purifier, Dryer, Wine Cellar and Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator.

Guests were also treated to a lively discussion on the benefits of LG SIGNATURE products moderated by one of Norway’s most accomplished actresses, Pia Tjelta. The all-star panel included famous Swedish singer and actress, Pernilla Wahlgren, and the Flying Culinary Circus; a team of four top chefs comprising Trond Svendgård, Hans Kristian Larsen, Tor Jørgen Kramprud Arnesen and Mathias Spieler Bugge. The culinary experts revealed how LG SIGNATURE appliances help them to effortlessly prepare delicious meals, and put on an entertaining cooking demonstration with mouth-watering results.

Participating in both the Oslo and Tokyo events, Torsten Valeur, the widely-respected Danish industrial designer and master design advisor for LG SIGNATURE home appliances, introduced the brand’s design philosophy and highlighted its restrained, minimalist aesthetics.

“We’re very excited to share the unparalleled design and advanced technology of LG SIGNATURE with new audiences,” said Ian Kim, vice president of LG’s brand management division. “We are strongly committed to expanding our premium home appliance business and providing consumers all over the world with the best lifestyle solutions yet.”

The continuing success of LG SIGNATURE has industry insiders and consumers taking note and is further cementing LG’s premium brand image across the globe. In order to engage a wider audience and showcase the perfected blend of form and function the brand is known for, LG will be expanding its new digital campaign, Art inspires technology. Technology completes art.

About LG SIGNATURE
LG SIGNATURE is LG Electronics’ ultra-premium brand. By uniting the best of LG technology and design under a single brand, LG SIGNATURE offers consumers a collection that boasts subtle elegance and top-notch performance. The range of LG SIGNATURE products includes InstaView Door-in-Door™ refrigerator, TWINWash™ washing machine, air purifier and award-winning “wallpaper” OLED TV W. All LG SIGNATURE products have one thing in common: uncompromising quality and a focus on the essentials. LG SIGNATURE products have won a number of industry awards for technological innovation and sophisticated design, including 2017 CES Best of Innovation Award, iF Gold Award 2016, Red Dot Design Award 2016 and Engadget Best of CES Award 2019 for LG SIGNATURE OLED TV R. For more information on LG SIGNATURE, please visit http://www.LGSIGNATURE.com

Crosslee PLC have announced they are to cease production at their Hipperholme factory.

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Crosslee PLC have announced they are to cease production at their Hipperholme factory.The company’s board say it is “no longer viable to continue to manufacture tumble dryers” and have therefore “reluctantly decided to cease” doing so.They say the company is solvent with a strong balance sheet and is able to meet all of its financial obligations going forward, and that stopping manufacturing “is neccessary to protect the future financial interests of the business”.

Midea released its latest range of smart fridges

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Midea plans to invest a total of 350 million yuan on high-tech research on smart fridges, including adding 200 researchers to follow the latest demands of about 70,000 “tech-savvy” families in China, according to the Shenzhen-listed firm.

Midea released its latest range of smart fridges in southwestern Yunnan Province, which uses AI sensors to detect different items in the unit, bringing intelligent cold delivery to vary treatment of items such as tuna and beef. New highlights include a technology to reduce the pesticide residue material automatically, a key demand of Chinese families, especially those with kids.

The new-tech refrigerator costs between 6,999 yuan and 14,999 yuan.

Midea wants to attract consumers through technology and design rather than price, the company added.

Midea is the country’s No. 2 manufacturer of air conditioners, a market which has seen heated competition in recent years, including market leader Gree suing smaller rival Aux over patent disputes.

LG Electronics is expanding the number of markets where its premium appliance brand LG Signature

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LG Electronics is expanding the number of markets where its premium appliance brand LG Signature will be made available as the company launched the high-priced appliances in Scandinavian countries.

The tech company said Friday it began selling its SIGNATURE products in Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland. To commemorate the launch, it held a showcase event at Astrup Fearnley Museet, a contemporary art museum in Oslo, Norway, Thursday.

Inviting 200 people including local dealers, reporters and high-profile figures, LG displayed seven kinds of LG SIGNATURE products including air purifiers, dryers, wine sellers and refrigerators. Torsten Valeur, a renowned Danish industrial designer who took part in design work of LG Signature products, also joined the event.

“We expect LG’s SIGNATURE products will meet with many Scandinavian customers. We are sure they would prefer our SIGNATURE products, manufactured based on a refined design language,” an official of the company said.

LG has been trying to sell its high-priced appliances in more countries. Since it launched the Signature brand in 2016, the company has been selling the products in 50 countries.

It held a conference recently in Tokyo, inviting journalists and high-profile figures for a look at the refrigerators, washing machines and TVs under its SIGNATURE brand.