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
Category Archives: OEM
Groupe Brandt Seeks Strategic Lifeline Amid Market Turbulence
The European home appliance sector is once again facing tough headwinds, and this time, the storm has reached one of France’s last-standing giants. Groupe Brandt, a century-old manufacturer and a key player in the French appliance landscape, has entered creditor protection in a bid to stabilize its finances and attract a strategic investor.
🏛️ Court-Approved Restructuring
On October 1, the Nanterre Economic Court granted Brandt’s request for protection, enabling the company to freeze its debts and continue operations while actively seeking a financial partner. Owned by Algeria’s Cevital Group since 2014, Brandt’s leadership views this move not as a retreat, but as a strategic reset—an opportunity to accelerate talks with potential investors.
Production at Brandt’s facilities in Orléans and Vendôme remains uninterrupted, and local distributor Elmax Store reports no immediate impact on its operations.
🧩 Who Might Step In?
Brandt’s portfolio includes not just its namesake brand, but also De Dietrich, Sauter, and Vedette—making it a valuable acquisition target. With 750 employees across France and a service hub near Paris, the company is far from marginal. CEO Daniele Degli Emili has already reached out to business partners, assuring them that several “serious and well-negotiated” investor options are on the table.
🌍 A Broader Industry Reckoning
Brandt’s situation reflects a deeper crisis among Europe’s traditional appliance manufacturers. Market consolidation is no longer a possibility—it’s a necessity. Chinese conglomerates have been steadily acquiring European brands: Hisense took over Gorenje in 2018, Haier absorbed Candy Hoover in 2019, and Midea snapped up Teka earlier this year. Midea even held talks with Electrolux in 2023, though no deal materialized.
📉 Electrolux and the Financial Squeeze
Even Electrolux, long considered a pillar of European manufacturing, has felt the strain. Despite returning to profitability in 2025 after a sweeping restructuring, the Swedish company reported a negative operating cash flow of $405 million in H1, pushing net debt to nearly $3 billion. Analysts now anticipate a capital injection of at least $1.79 billion via a share issue, and S&P Global Ratings has downgraded its credit score to BBB-, teetering just above speculative grade.
🚨 Industry Survival at Stake
The pressure from Asian—particularly Chinese—competitors is mounting. With only a handful of independent European manufacturers left, the industry’s future looks precarious. In a rare show of unity, several appliance makers have issued an open letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, warning that the very survival of Europe’s home appliance sector is in jeopardy.
BSH Home Appliances Group and ECOVACS Group enter into strategic partnership in the field of robotic vacuum cleaners
The partnership with ECOVACS is an important step for us in expanding our range of cleaning robots,” says Hendrik Kretzer, EVP Division Consumer Products of BSH Home Appliances Group. He adds: “We are convinced that the combination of our many years of experience in developing high-quality home appliances, our understanding of consumer needs, our technology and marketing expertise in the field of kitchen and built-in appliances, and ECOVACS’ innovative strength and technological expertise in robotics will create real added value for consumers. We are very much looking forward to working together and shaping the future of floor cleaning robots.”
David Qian Cheng, CEO of ECOVACS ROBOTICS, added: “ECOVACS’ mission is: Robotics for All. We are delighted to partner with BSH to bring ECOVACS’ robotics and technologies into the kitchen, creating a pioneering new category for the service robotics industry. This strong alliance is built on our shared understanding of consumer needs and commitment to high-quality products. These are two strong brands coming together who are leaders in their respective fields. ECOVACS remains dedicated to driving pioneering innovation across multi-category service robotics to better serve consumers worldwide.”
The first product to emerge from this partnership is the world’s first built-in vacuum and mopping robot from the Bosch home appliance brand, co-developed with and powered by ECOVACS robotics technologies. It is unveiled at the IFA trade fair and will be available in stores in Europe from spring 2026. It is the first system of its kind to be fully integrated into kitchen furniture. The full-service station is connected directly to the fresh water, wastewater and electricity connections and cleans both the robot and itself. From charging the robot to cleaning the service station, all processes take place invisibly behind the kitchen front. All the necessary modules fit into the sink cabinet, leaving enough space to accommodate standard waste disposal systems.
Elica acquiring stake in range cooker manufacturer
Elica S.p.A. announced the signing of an agreement to acquire a 28% stake in Steel Srl , an Italian company specializing in the production of range cookers and high-end outdoor solutions, with a progressive acquisition mechanism upon the occurrence of certain conditions.
This transaction strengthens the Elica Group’s presence in the premium cooking segment, accelerating its penetration of high-potential markets such as the United States and Canada. By October 2028, Elica will be able to acquire an additional 57%, bringing its stake to 85%.
LG Teams Up with Chinese Manufacturers to Boost Budget Appliance Strategy in Europe
LG Electronics Inc. is forging an unexpected alliance with former rivals in a bid to strengthen its position in the budget appliance market and fend off growing competition from Chinese brands.
Industry insiders revealed on Monday that LG will introduce co-developed washing machines and refrigerators under its own brand across Europe later this month. The South Korean giant partnered with Skyworth Group Co. to design a 9-kilogram drum washing machine, and worked with AUCMA to produce a top-freezer refrigerator.
This marks the first time LG has collaborated with Chinese companies to develop home appliances. While LG led the product design and development, its partners will handle manufacturing under a joint development manufacturing (JDM) agreement. This structure contrasts with traditional OEM deals, as LG retains control of design while outsourcing production responsibilities.
By leveraging these partnerships, LG aims to offer competitively priced appliances without compromising its reputation for quality—particularly within its mid- to low-end product range.
EGO relaunches DEFENDI product brand
The EGO-Group (EGO) will once again offer gas products under the DEFENDI product brand in the future. In 2013, the gas business was added to the BLANC & FISCHER Group through the acquisition of the DEFENDI Group. To better exploit synergies, the successful and innovative gas solutions of the former sister company DEFENDI were integrated into the product portfolio of EGO in 2020 and marketed under the EGO brand. On January 1, 2021, the site in Camerano officially became part of the EGO-Group: “Defendi Italy Srl” became “EGO Italia Srl”. EGO has decided that, starting from June 2025 it will once again offer its innovative gas solutions under the DEFENDI product brand – to strengthen its go-to-market approach as part of its growth strategy in the gas business. “The switch to the DEFENDI product brand will not involve any process or data changes for our business partners,” assures Karlheinz Hörsting Dr. , CEO of the EGO-Group. DEFENDI is a pure product brand of the EGO-Group. EGO remains the business and contractual partner. Camerano remains a site of the EGO-Group and will continue to operate under the name EGO Italia Srl.
Askoll, is shaping the future of home appliances
Askoll, is shaping the future of home appliances through innovation, efficiency, and sustainability. The dryer product portfolio is a clear expression of this vision: a complete range of cutting-edge solutions designed to meet the evolving and often challenging needs of global OEMs!
🔹 Synchronous Pumps: Compact, silent, and waterproof. Trusted worldwide with millions of units sold
🔹 Asynchronous Pumps: Reliable draining performance with low noise
🔹 VSM Pumps: BLDC technology delivering high flow rates and ultra-low noise
🔹 Mechanical Pumps: High prevalence, low temperature, and robust design for demanding applications
🔹 BPM Dryer Motors: Plug & Play, variable speed, ultra-efficient with real-time feedback and smart control
🔹 Dual Motor Architecture: Independent control of drum and fan for premium performance
Behind every product, there’s a team of passionate professionals. A special thanks to Alberto Rizzotto (Pumps Platform Technical Supervisor), Fabio Scalco (Motors & Fan Platform Technical Supervisor), and Pierpaolo Spina (Appliance R&D & Quality Director):
Celebrating 75 Years of Innovation: Sabaf Group’s Remarkable Journey
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!
𝗘.𝗚.𝗢. 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘂𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲
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
Vestel to Lay Off 2,000 as Zorlu Holding Restructures Amid Debt Woes
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),
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