Polish BSH Factories Shine in Global Production Awards

Polish BSH Factories Shine in Global Production Awards! ✨
Once again, the exceptional talent and dedication within BSH’s Polish plants have been recognized on a global stage. In the recent internal Production Awards competition, three Polish factories triumphed, showcasing groundbreaking projects that are truly transforming ways of working. 💡⚙️ 🏆
Leading the way, the washing machine factory clinched first place in the Organizational Culture category. Their winning project focused on fostering greater diversity within the internal transport department. Through proactive initiatives, they successfully adapted the majority of positions to be suitable for women. The remarkable results include enhanced diversity, a more positive and inclusive work environment, and a significant boost in workplace safety! 💪
Adding to Poland’s success in the same Organizational Culture category, the dryer factory secured a well-deserved place in the TOP 3. Their team revolutionized the approach to work safety by implementing the ABRA matrix. This initiative sparked over 400 improvements, fostered complete team engagement, and demonstrably elevated safety standards – a testament to their sense of responsibility and proactive approach! 🏭
Furthermore, the Wrocław oven factory earned a spot in the TOP 3 of the prestigious Factory of the Year category. This recognition celebrates the remarkable coherence between their vision, mission, and daily operations. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of the entire team, and the exceptional dedication of section managers, they successfully achieved strategic objectives, even in the face of challenges.

Homa Building the Future of Cooling

At Homa, manufacturing isn’t a backstage operation—it’s the heart of our vision. Factory N°9, the newest production hub, is more than a facility; it’s a living system of care, precision, and innovation. Adding 1.4 million units to their yearly capacity, it strengthens our position among the Top 4 cooling appliance manufacturers globally.

Designed for premium no-frost models, Factory N°9 incorporates cutting-edge automation, digitalisation, and energy efficiency. As CEO Michael Yao states, *“We’re not just building refrigerators; we’re building trust and delivering excellence.”*

More than machines, this factory embodies design thinking. Its adjacent Living Campus underscores our commitment to wellbeing, featuring gardens, gyms, and riverside walkways.

At Homa,  don’t just produce—we co-develop. By collaborating with global partners, we create refrigerators that blend technical excellence with brand identity and user-focused innovation

China’s ’Home Appliances Queen’ Steps Down

Dong Mingzhu, widely recognized as China’s “home appliances queen,” has been re-elected as chairwoman of Gree Electric Appliances, a position she has held for the past 13 years. However, as part of the company’s efforts to refresh its leadership team, the 71-year-old has stepped down as president.

Gree Electric Appliances, headquartered in Zhuhai, announced yesterday that Dong will continue to serve as chairwoman for her fifth three-year term, while Zhang Wei, aged 49, will take over as the firm’s new president.

Having started her journey at Gree as a sales representative, Dong has dedicated 35 years to the company, rising to the role of president in 2007 and chairwoman in 2012. Under her guidance, Gree has evolved from a manufacturer of air conditioners into a diversified conglomerate with ventures in smart equipment, industrial robotics, and new energy sectors. The company now boasts annual revenues exceeding CNY200 billion (USD27.4 billion)

Haier renewable energy.

Haier Europe, our driven by a vision of a sustainable future, where renewable energy powers our world and reduces their environmental footprint.
committed to sourcing 60% of energy from renewable sources across all production facilities by 2025, and reducing Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, in line with the Science Based Targets initiative.

The journey towards sustainability is accelerating through large-scale solar panel installations in Turkey, China, and Italy. The industrial hub in Turkey now meets 100% of its energy needs with clean electricity, while the Jinling plant in China generates 6.24 million kWh per year from solar panels, covering 20% of its energy consumption

Cimbali Group secures landmark victory against counterfeiting in China

Shanghai Court has sanctioned four Chinese companies for producing espresso machines that closely resemble Slayer models in a major boost for Cimbali Group Judges recognised that similarities between some design elements, including the distinctive X-shaped side supports, had caused consumer confusion between genuine Slayer Espresso coffee machines and models produced and marketed by the counterfeit Chinese companies.
 
The four unnamed Chinese companies were ordered to immediately cease producing and marketing machines with designs and packaging that could be confused with the Slayer brand. They were also ordered to pay damages and legal fees.

Gazprom shifts gears: From gas exports to home appliances

Gazprom, the Russian gas giant, is planning to produce washing machines and refrigerators at the former Bosch plant near St. Petersburg. This move comes as a response to the decline in gas exports to Europe and the absence of a new contract with China. Production is expected to commence later this year

BSH signs historic lease in Munich

KGAL GmbH & Co. KG (KGAL) and BSH Home Appliances Group have signed a major long-term green lease ahead of schedule for the “Aviva” office complex in Neuperlach. Covering 60,000 m² of gross floor space, this is Munich’s largest leasing deal in five years.

BSH plans to transform its headquarters into a modern campus featuring customer experience spaces, product showcases, and training facilities.

“This ensures sustainable use and long-term profitability,” said Dr. Christian Nieraad of KGAL. Dr. Matthias Metz of BSH added, “We’re creating an inspiring and innovative workplace that strengthens Team BSH.”

Beko Europe Signs Framework Agreement to Drive Industrial Transformation

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.

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.