Whirlpool drops plan to shut plant in southern Italy

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U.S.-listed white goods maker Whirlpool Corp has dropped plans to shut down a production site in the southern Italian city of Naples after two weeks of workers’ protests, the company said on Wednesday.

Whirlpool announced on Oct. 15 that it planned to shut down and sell the site, which it said was no longer profitable, prompting union protests and disappointing the Italian government after months of talks aimed at saving the plant.

Workers had reacted fiercely to the decision and metalworkers union FIOM-CGIL had called for work stoppages and protests at the group’s other plants in Italy.

On Wednesday, Whirlpool announced a change of course, saying it was “ready to withdraw the sale procedure … not to proceed with the layoffs in Naples and to continue the production of washing machines.”

In a video posted on Facebook (NASDAQ:FB), Industry Minister Stefano Patuanelli said the decision would open the way to finding a long term solution for the site.

“It is a first step towards restarting the talks with the aim of definitively resolving the site’s problems,” he said.

Whirlpool, which employs around 5,500 people in Italy had said the closure was necessary because the production of high-end washing machines in Naples was no longer profitable. The factory employs 400 workers in a region with some of the highest unemployment levels in the country.

In June, the Italian government threatened to scrap all incentives it had granted to the company to keep investing in Italy, estimated at some 50 million euros since 2014.

Smeg’s dishwasher range has continued to evolve over recent months. New machines feature upgrades to usable dishwasher capacity, wash performance and even enhanced energy efficiency.

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The Smeg dishwasher range has been completely renewed, so if you have never considered purchasing a Smeg dishwasher before, now is the time to give it some serious thought! Attention to detail and careful consideration has been taken in order to produce the best dishwasher range yet. Inside you can find a new visual aesthetic with many models featuring striking blue parts including handles and supports which highlight key changes within the machine.

Several improvements have been made throughout these new dishwashers, including the inner door. The new flatter inner door design has allowed for an increase in basket size by 2cm. In the centre of the inner door is a new improved detergent dispenser with a sliding lid for much easier access which can now house the largest sized tablets available on the market. The curve above the dispenser, allows water to be pushed through the dispenser much more effectively, ensuring total dispersion of the tablet, liquid or powder. The lower basket can also be pulled out with greater stability due to the improved shape of the grooves in the door.
The upper basket is now stronger, more linea in shape and its design has been improved to better accommodate a mixture of different sized cups, mugs and glasses for easier loading. Together with the Flexiduo basket above (on some models) this allows optimum use of the space.
Glasses are kept secure throughout the washing programme thanks to the new designed stem glass holders which have a minimum touch area, stopping any movement. These improvements also offer increased stability for tumblers, larger glasses and mugs.The best possible wash results can now be achieved thanks to revised jets. These can be found on the upper and lower part of the centralised spray arm and the inner ducts of the upper spray arm. These allows a 20% increase in pressure so water passing through it produces a greatly improved wash performance. The addition of an inverter motor (on some models) adds piece of mind, as it is extremely durable, reliable and long lasting. It also reduces noise levels creating an altogether quieter appliance. Other features found in many models in the new range include; total aquastop, A+++ energy ratings, dry assist, adjustable upper baskets, flexiduo 3rd cutlery basket and 27 minute rapid wash cycle.

Smeg dishwasher models are available in freestanding, integrated or semi integrated built in designs, full sized or slimline, in a choice of colours.

Miele is a winner

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Miele is not only in the premium class with its devices, but also in customer service. This is the result of the current Kundenmonitor Deutschland, where Miele was once again crowned the winner. The evaluation is based on 1,626 interviews conducted throughout Germany with users of customer services for large household appliances (conducted in the period October 2018, January, April and July 2019).

In the survey, the respondents were able to submit their rating on a scale of 5, whereby the rating “1” corresponded to the top grade. Miele’s rating of customer satisfaction is 1.91, well above the industry average of 2.1. Miele is also above the industry average when it comes to customer service re-election intent (1.77) and customer service recommending (1.96). The average for the industry is 1.97 and 2.17, respectively.

Miele also leads the industry when it comes to the question of image. A total of 53 percent agreed with the statement “I trust this customer service. The average rating is ten percentage points lower (43 percent). At 48 percent, Miele also sets itself a similar distance from the industry average (41 percent) with regard to the statement “I value myself as a customer in this customer service.”

“The continuity with which Miele is always first on the customer monitor is something we are a little proud of. However, this result proves that we succeeded in the interaction of qualified service and respectful dealings with our customers, “explains Guido Geller, Head of Miele Customer Service in Germany, adding:” However, this does not just include the customer’s performance but the back office area also counts – from the order acceptance over the appointment allocation up to the appropriate spare part supply. “

Gorenje to be split into two companies

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The household appliances maker Gorenje will be split into two companies as part of group integration a year after it was taken over by Chinese conglomerate Hisense, with the management becoming a separate company. Hisense Europe will be headquartered in Ljubljana and provide corporate support services for all Hisense companies in Europe. Meanwhile Gorenje will comprise the production company in Velenje and the Gorenje group’s subsidiaries. The company said in a press release that adaptation to new business environment demanded a further boosting of efficiency and streamlined organisation of the Gorenje group.

New Panasonic L-series advanced care washing machine, you can also enjoy professional clothing care at home

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The new Panasonic L-series advanced care washing machine online, bringing together the world’s top R&D personnel, specializing in fabrics, and providing careful care for a variety of delicate fabrics.

For example, wool clothing is composed of natural animal protein fiber. This fiber is the closest to human cells. It is an active fiber that can dynamically react according to changes in body temperature. It can keep out the cold when it is cold, and it is not dry when it is hot. Moreover, the wool garment has the flexibility of being stretchable and freely, and is not only suitable for wearing close to the body, but also fashionable and stylish. However, wool fiber has the characteristics of “shrinking” and “plasticity” under the action of external force after water contact. If it is rubbed hard during washing, under the action of detergent and force, the scales on the surface of the wool are fitted to each other, which will cause the loose tissue of the fabric to shrink and deform.

The new Panasonic L-series advanced care washing machine solves the problem of high-end fabric cleaning with nanoeX nano-water ion care technology. By applying high voltage to separate water molecules in the air, and then generating nano-water ions, nano-water with a diameter of about 1 nm-100 nm can be obtained. The ions penetrate deep into the fiber of the clothing, do not damage the fiber structure, and protect the original elasticity of the fiber, so that it has no wrinkles, natural fluffiness, smooth and supple, comfortable and soft.

Panasonic nanoeX nano water ion care technology is not only suitable for wool clothing, but also meets the needs of dozens of fine fabrics such as cotton and linen, silk, and brings consumers an unprecedented high-end toiletries experience.

In addition, nanoeX nano water ion care technology can easily remove the odor and bacteria attached to the clothes, making life fresher and healthier. And its Ag+ photodynamic silver sterilization at room temperature, automatic detergent delivery, and APP remote intelligent control technology bring elegance and style to the elite from the aspects of health, convenience and intelligence.

With Panasonic L-series advanced care washing machine, users can also give professional care to their beloved clothing at home, and make clothing care more healthy and safe. This is really good news for consumers.

Haier Russian Laundry factory

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Haier, China’s largest consumer electronics and home appliance producer, announces the launch of production at the Haier Russian Industrial Park and Laundry Appliances Plant in Naberezhnye Chelny, Russia. The new Haier plant, connecting the customer to the factory throughout the manufacturing process, is estimated to be able to produce laundry appliances for up to 200 million users across Russia and other countries in Central Asia and Europe.

“The laundry appliance plant is the first of its kind, as no other Chinese firm has established such a plant in Europe before. We are proud to be the pioneer firm,” Guiwei Sun, General Manager of Russian Laundry Appliance Interconnected Plant, said. “We hope this plant can enhance the supply capacity and meet the increasing demands for laundry appliances in the Russian market.”

Haier to Develop Complete Industry Chain, Aiming to Further Drive Russian Home Appliance Market

Along with the already-existent refrigerator manufacturing plant, the new laundry appliances plant can drive synergistic effects, as Haier is also planning production lines for its other appliances, including air-conditioners and water heaters, in the area. This will eventually culminate in the establishment of an integrated ecological production chain.

“The synergistic effects will benefit not only the local area but also Haier, in that it will reduce cost disadvantages greatly thanks to local production and increased efficiency of distribution,” added Sun.

“Trinity” Localization Model with Focus on Russian Market Requirements and Expectations

The new laundry appliances plant follows Haier’s regional model of international growth. Haier calls this model the “Trinity” localization model of R&D, manufacturing and marketing.

With such a strategy, Haier aims to develop a complete product supply chain when expanding the local market. In this case, Haier has hired local R&D researchers to provide insights of Russian users, including their habits and customs. All these efforts enable Haier to better adapt to the local market and create advantages. Furthermore, the regional economy and employment rate can be boosted with the further development of Haier’s localization.

One of the primary reasons that Haier’s laundry machines are popular amongst Russian users is that Haier can tailor their products to meet the practical needs of local users.

The launch of Haier’s laundry appliances plant in the region also brings confidence to local Haier sales personnel. With the plant, Haier will grow into a long-term, stable strategic partner that local sales personnel can depend on.

In the future, eight Haier manufacturing plants in different categories will be launched in the Russian Industry Park. At that time, this integrated industry park that incorporates home appliance production lines and accommodation, medical, logistics and cultural centers will bring comprehensive benefits to the locals.

Designed using Haier’s innovative 5+7+N concept, the Haier Smart Cloud Solution links seven (7) home solutions in air, water, security, clothes care, entertainment, health and information across five (5) living scenarios — the smart living room, smart kitchen, smart bathroom, smart laundry room and smart bedroom — with customizations based on variable user needs (N) for a comprehensive and intuitive smart home ecosystem.

Glem Gas, sixty years at the top

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Glem Gas group established in 1959 in Modena, in the heart of Emilia and of this territory it proudly carries on the culinary excellence, the artistic tradition, the passion for the land, the spirit of innovation and the craftsmanship of its people. The technological and aesthetic content of our products represents our absolute value, a rigorous and emblematic image of Made in Italy.
GLEM VALUES Authenticity, Quality and Pragmatism
Over fifty years of experience in the production of home appliances for cooking, years distinguished by a constant, uncompromising commitment to ideals that Glem Gas has continued to pursue with unflagging vigor. Authenticity, Quality, Pragmatism are our main core values inspiring Design principles, Product touchpoints, Brand Communication that constantly guide our quest to create highly specialized products in terms of performance, reliability and safety, products boasting an approach to design that is aesthetically pleasing, functional and ergonomic.

Authenticity for us means going back to the roots of products picking up from the emotional memory, redesigning traditional shapes through a contemporary language and turning the beauty of handcraft into the industrial process.

Quality is synonymous with generating and implementing new and different ideas, knowing materials, technologies and processes, focusing on harmony between shapes and materials.

Pragmatism leads our research for leveraging on the value of product usefulness, thinking of what is essential to the people, making a variety of options available.
HISTORY
a brief timeline
Glem Gas was born in 1959 at Modena. As in the best post-war Italian tradition the company was founded by 3 old friends who had the intuition to start producing small gas operated heaters and chimneys. Later on their desire to enlarge the range led to the creation of the first freestanding Glem Gas cooker. A determined passion, hard work and much R&D have been necessary to realize modern cookers ahead of their time.

1965 Launch of the new high range models establishes Glem Gas as a successful player in the domestic market
1975 Launch of the new maxi oven cookers brings Glem Gas to market leadership in the Middle East
1985 “Admiral” model introduces on the market a new cooker style: the semi-professional
1989 Glem Gas enlarges its presence worldwide and develop a new plant near Modena
1990 High industrial product development (new mechanical department)
2000 New opening of branches in France, Portugal and Australia
2002 Glem Gas is the first company to introduce multifunction gas oven with fan
2006 Lean production concepts introduced in the manufactuing process
2008 New line for assemblying and welding of built-in ovens. Acquisition of a new welding plant
2009 Glem Gas becomes market leader in Italy for free-standing cookers under the Glem Brand
2011 Glem Gas is awarded with the Honorable Mention by the Compasso d’Oro Design Association for design and quality excellence
2013 Glem Gas products are distributed in over 50 countries worldwide

Beko U.S. received the 2019 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year

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Beko U.S. received the 2019 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Award in the product brand owner category for a third consecutive year having demonstrated energy efficiency best practices and proved organization-wide energy savings. Beko also was recognized as ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence Award, the highest honor bestowed to partners that have won consecutive ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year awards.
The award was assigned to the company, thanks to key energy efficiency innovations introduced last year. Beko dishwasher models were transitioned to a new platform designed to meet ENERGY STAR’s Most Efficient criteria, a measure of total energy savings that products must meet to be recognized as the most efficient ENERGY STAR products. As a result, its dishwasher platform managed to increase the number of place settings while maintaining water and energy consumption. Some dishwashers were designed to decrease decibel noise levels by 1-2dBA, while others exceeded Most Efficient criteria by 67 percent through implementing a compact and modular hydraulic system with a brushless DC circulation pump motor that integrates with the heater.
Beko clothes washers met the 2018 Most Efficient criteria for 1.6 cubic feet capacities or more. In addition, the company introduced a series of redesigned models with additional wash cycles designed to improve cleaning performance by 10 percent. This new series of washers also added a new check valve, designed to reduce detergent loss in the wash cycle.
The brand four-door French freestanding refrigerator being introduced in 2019, instead, offers a multi-zone convertible compartment using a R600a refrigerant to reduce the environmental impact and improve the thermodynamic performance.
«Our products are not bound simply by design, but engineered to meet the most stringent energy efficiency requirements for a more sustainable future – said Sazi Bugay, product director, Beko U.S., Inc. -. With this strict level of commitment, we are able to offer smart eco-friendly solutions to preserve energy, water and time that enrich the lives of consumers who are conscious about their environmental impact.»

Fulgor Milano, announce the expansion of its distribution area in Southeast US in partnership with Pinnacle Sales Group

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Fulgor Milano, announce the expansion of its distribution area in Southeast US in partnership with Pinnacle Sales Group Inc. After a collaboration lasted since the beginning of 2018, now Fulgor Milano is ready to take it a step further. Gianni Meneghetti, CEO of Fulgor Milano, commented the operation with this words: «I cannot emphasize enough the excitement at HQ in Italy when we were informed that a professional distribution company of Pinnacle Sales Group’s stature had chosen to partner with the Fulgor Milano brand to replace their previous cooking line and to make it the primary focus within their cooking portfolio. We thank Pinnacle for making Fulgor Milano the cooking brand of choice for now and the future.»
But significant words also arrives from Pinnacle Sales Group, which has underlined the quality of Fulgor Milano products.
«We believe so strongly in the Fulgor Milano product line – Ron Avery, CEO of Pinnacle Sales Group, stated – that we have made the strategic decision to align our focus behind a single cooking brand. Fulgor Milano’s full suite of professional appliances embodies the design, performance, and craftsmanship that our dealers and customers desire. With a wide array of products, Fulgor Milano provides a complete offering of styles and price points. Being a family-owned business for 39 years, Pinnacle values the 70-year legacy that Fulgor Milano and the Meneghetti family have established throughout the world. We believe in creating lasting partnerships that span a lifetime and are humbled to partner with such a prestigious manufacturer that has the quality, Italian heritage and family values that we strive to offer our customers every day. The future is very bright indeed.”