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),

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

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.

Hibsan Breaks New Ground: Turkey’s First A+++ Energy Class Range Hood Manufacturer 

Hibsan has made history as the first Turkish range hood manufacturer to achieve the coveted A+++ energy efficiency rating. Renowned for their innovative approach, Hibsan’s range hoods combine cutting-edge design with remarkable energy-saving capabilities, meeting the stringent European standards. The A+++ classification highlights an exceptional balance between low electricity consumption and outstanding extraction performance, cementing Hibsan’s reputation as a trailblazer in the home appliance industry

Glem gas increases production

A surge in demand for Glem and Emilia cooking appliances worldwide has led to increased production at the Glem Gas factory in Modena, Italy. Glem has employed an additional 80 staff to meet the manpower requirements and has also commenced Saturday production Glem has been manufacturing cookers for more than 50 years and as brand awareness in international markets continues to grow, the company will continue to expand Among Glam Gas’ new products, the e-line range includes cooking appliances that run exclusively on electricity. The Specialista cookers with induction hobs mark the evolution initiated by the company and will be offered for the first time on the Italian market from April 2025. Induction hobs paired with no-drop hoods also stem from a rethought approach, created in response to the company’s decision to embark on the path of carbon neutrality.
Another new addition from Glem Gas is the SA line of the Specialista cookers, brand’s flagship products. It features functional design, high stability and ergonomics.