Job losses come as the Irish-owned electrical goods firm plans to merge its Dunleer plant with a facility in China
Electrolux Group divests South African water heater business
Electrolux Group has signed an agreement to divest its water heater business in South Africa under the Kwikot brand for an enterprise value of ZAR 2.4bn (approx. SEK 1.4bn) to Haier Smart Home.
The divestment includes the Kwikot brand and the production facilities for water heaters (geysers) located in Johannesburg, and is part of the previously communicated work to sharpen the Group’s strategic focus by divesting non-core assets.
The sale is expected to be completed during the fourth quarter of 2024 and is subject to regulatory approvals.
Hisense presents its global strategy
Hisense’s overseas revenue has more than quadrupled from $3.5 billion to $12 billion since 2016, Chairman Fisher Yu said
Hisense unveiled its ambitious growth plans at the Partner Conference in Berlin, held on the eve of the Euro 2024™ finals. Fisher Yu, President of Hisense Group , gave a keynote address titled “Beyond Champion, Beyond Glory” to discuss the latest updates on Hisense’s brand enhancement strategy, new product lineup, and user-centric services. Fisher Yu also discussed future plans for optimizing its industrial structure and the brand’s commitment to continued global expansion during his presentation his keynote address, Yu emphasized Hisense’s commitment to developing new features and products based on customer feedback to ensure continued growth in the global market. The company is also working to create smart home experiences with appliances that go beyond individual products and features by more comprehensively considering user use cases through product planning, R&D, and marketing, as well as focusing on platform compatibility and integration options, connectivity, security, and AI, to create smarter products that anticipate and exceed user needs.Committed to global expansion, Hisense is strengthening six local operation centers to support future growth. Building on its existing strong network of 26 R&D centers, 34 industrial parks and manufacturing bases, Hisense’s “Think Global, Act Local” approach leverages local talent and strengthens local R&D, manufacturing and supply chains. This enables Hisense to meet specific local needs with tailored products through global R&D investments.
New appointments at BSH
From 1 September 2024 Enrico Hoffmann will be Head of Sales & Marketing Central Europe of BSH, while Christof Jaeger will become the new CEO of BSH Italy After three years, Enrico Hoffmann concludes his mandate at BSH Italy, during which he has successfully strengthened the subsidiary’s business, focusing on sustainable development for the company and for its people, making his skills and his strong focus on the Customer and the end Consumer available. From September 1, 2024, Hoffmann will take up the role of Head of Sales&Marketing Central Europe with responsibility for the countries Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Hungary.
LG Establishes New Air Solution R&D Lab in Europe,
LG Electronics (LG) is establishing a new Air Solution Research and Development (R&D) Lab in Frankfurt, Germany. The state-of-the-art facility will join existing LG Air Solution Labs in Changwon, South Korea; and Atlanta, Georgia, USA, to form a global R&D triangle.
The new 10,000-square-foot lab will focus primarily on developing high-efficiency heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) solutions for Europe’s varied local climates. Research and testing will be carried out on a wide range of residential and light commercial HVAC systems, including heat pumps, energy monitoring systems and energy management platforms. Through executing an extensive, locally-focused R&D program, the Frankfurt lab will reinforce LG’s ability to provide HVAC solutions tailored for the European market.
Additionally, the new lab will collaborate with the company’s recently launched European Consortium for Advanced Heat Pump Research to develop heat pumps that can reliably deliver top-tier heating performance during Northern Europe’s harsh winters. To strengthen the capabilities of its European HVAC business, LG plans to nurture and actively recruit local talent in fields such as heat pump design and smart home technology.
Falmec: new partnership China
Falmec has kicked off a new partnership in the Chinese market with the opening of a flagship store located at the Macalline Shopping Center in Beijing. In this recently built mall, the Italian company has been provided with a space by Hiseasons, the brand’s official distributor in China. Falmec displays in a showroom of almost 3,000 sqm, along with other premium brands of furniture and household appliances. Among the models on display are the hoods from the Circle.Tech collection such as the multifunctional Spazio, and the decorative Dama and Soffio. But also, Air Wall and Monolith from the Elements collection. These models are joined by Light equipped with Multi-air technology, the Zenith hood from the Silence NRS collection and T-shaped models to satisfy a customer segment with a more traditional taste.
AGA MD Retirement
Geoff Killer, Managing Director of AGA Rangemaster, is retiring after nearly 22 years of dedicated service to the company.
Currys upgrade stores
Currys has unveiled a store upgrade programme for its largest sites across the UK as part of its commitment to “make the customer shopping experience easier”.
The electricals retailer will transform 50 of its larger stores, which will see the inclusion of new categories, seasonal showcases, and a focus on “reinvigorating megastore entrance space”.
Beko to close UK factory
Beko has announced it is considering the closure of its subsidiary Hotpoint UK Appliances factory in Yate, South Gloucestershire. The move puts approximately 150 jobs at risk.
Electrolux launches smart laundry rang
Electrolux brand is launching its smartest range of laundry appliances in Europe.
Features include:
▪ The new SmartSelect function available on selected washing machines, washer dryers and tumble dryers which adjusts the washing/drying cycle and temperature based on needs, saving time and energy.
▪ The new SmartSave function in the 900 series tumble dryers gives consumers the choice between faster drying time or lower energy consumption.
▪ Low wash temperatures and short cycles are also in demand. Consumers can now run a 30 degree cycle, UltraQuick, in 39 minutes in selected washing machines in the 900 series.
“In 2020, textile consumption in Europe had on average the fourth highest impact on the environment,” comments sarah schaefer, Vice President Sustainability for Europe and APMEA at Electrolux Group. “Extending clothing life by just nine months delivers significant benefits but we want to help consumers go further. We have a goal to double the lifetime of clothes and our new range of smart and effortless appliances is a positive step towards that.”
