MediaMarktSaturn is expanding its same-day delivery service for large household appliances. The German market leader has long offered delivery within 90 minutes for packages weighing up to 23 kg (thanks to a partnership with Uber). In some cities in the regions of Cologne, Koblenz and Dortmund, delivery of household appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines or televisions of 42 inches and above is now also available. Pilot projects offer same-day and next-day delivery with three selectable service levels for installation and assembly of the product at the customer’s home.
Midea inaugurates its first wholly owned factory in Brazil
Chinese home appliance giant Midea Group has announced the opening of its new Brazilian factory in Pouso Alegre, a city in the southeastern state of Minas Gerais. The official inauguration was held on 9 December, reports Brazilian outlet Diário do Comércio.
The sprawling factory covers an area of 73,000 square metres and has the capacity to produce 700,000 refrigerators and 600,000 washing machines annually. Midea Carrier CEO Felipe Costa told reporters that the company aims to reach maximum production potential in two years.
While the factory will be employing 700 employees initially, Midea expects to increase this to 1,000 jobs by December 2025. Mayor Coronel Dimas said he believes the factory could transform the municipality into a hub for the home appliances, as the investment has already triggered conversations about similar manufacturers coming to Pouso Alegre.
The new factory will be Midea’s third in Brazil, following the Manaus (Amazonas) site, which produces household air conditioners and microwaves, and the Canoas (Rio Grande do Sul) site, which makes commercial air conditioners. While the previous two are operated in partnership with Carrier, Pouso Alegre
Pacifica Reports Strong Financial Growth Amid Strategic Expansions and New Partnerships
Pacifica, a prominent independent provider of UK domestic appliance repairs and extended warranties in the major domestic appliance (MDA) market, has announced impressive financial results for the year ending 31 March 2024. The company achieved revenues of £36.1 million, up from £34.5 million the previous year.
Gross profit increased to £11.7 million, with the gross margin improving to 32.5%. Additionally, EBITDA saw a significant 22% rise, reaching £1.1 million
Gree Electric has developed its own chips,
Chinese home appliance manufacturer Gree Electric has developed its own chips, Chinese local media reported on Monday citing its chairwoman, six years after the firm embarked on efforts to do so.
Dong Mingzhu, told news portal Sina.com that the company had achieved capabilities in chip research, design, and manufacturing, all without funding support from the Chinese government. She did not detail what kind of chips Gree was now able to make.
In 2018, Gree set up a subsidiary to design chips for air conditioners and the company announced that it wanted to move into making more smart home products. At the time, Dong said that Gree spent 4 billion yuan ($549.45 million) a year on buying chips for its air conditioners.
Arçelik to close factories
Arçelik, which has now decided to close its 3 factories in Italy after Poland, is increasing its production volumes in Turkey while investing in Egypt.In a recent statement regarding the €110 million investment plan in Italy, it was mentioned that “As outlined in our company’s special situation statement dated November 7, 2024, negotiations are ongoing with the Italian Ministry of Companies and Made in Italy (Ministero delle Imprese e del Made in Italy) and other relevant authorities, national and regional unions, and employee representatives to evaluate the long-term sustainable transformation plan for our Italian operations.”
The statement further elaborated:
“Our goal to establish Italy as a strategic hub for industrial design and the cooking appliances category remains steadfast. We plan to invest €110 million in our Italian operations in the coming periods. Carinaro is expected to continue as the center for spare parts and renovation. To enhance profitability and efficiency, we aim to rescale some production operations related to the laundry and cooling categories in Cassinetta, Siena, and Comunanza. Additionally, we will initiate industrial transformation processes in certain areas and evaluate all strategic options, including potential disposals. Regardless, production in these factories will continue until the end of 2025.
The Ministry and union representatives have expressed their views on safeguarding local employment and have requested a re-evaluation of the submitted proposals. Negotiations will continue with unions and employee representatives for the approximately 2,000 employees expected to be impacted by this process across all our operations in Italy.”
The Impulse Cooktop has been named one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2024.
The cooktop is powered by a 3kWh lithium ion phosphate battery that can run alone or alongside wall power. That extra oomph gives the induction stove “five times more performance than gas stoves,” says CEO Sam D’Amico. It can boil water in 40 seconds and provides the user with far more control over stove temperature, thanks to a precise digital readout.
Superior power density with a long lifespan and no maintenance. Enjoy a 10-year warranty and simple, modular replacements.
LG Opens ThinQ API to Foster Smart Home Innovation
LG Electronics (LG) has fully opened the Application Programming Interface (API) of its smart home platform, LG ThinQ, enabling developers to easily create smart spaces with LG appliances.
Recently, LG launched the LG Smart Solution API Developer website (smartsolution.developer.lge.com) to officially open up the LG ThinQ API. An API acts as a digital connector that allows different software to exchange functions seamlessly. Developers can utilize the open API to integrate various features from LG AI appliances into their programs or systems, enhancing their services.
The LG ThinQ API is divided into two categories: the ThinQ API for individual users and the ThinQ Business API for corporate partners. The ThinQ API allows for remote control of LG devices installed in homes or buildings and facilitates integration with various platforms.
For individual users, the ThinQ API supports the control and monitoring of AI appliances registered in the LG ThinQ app from various smart home platforms. By utilizing the ThinQ API, anyone can easily create a customized smart home that fits their lifestyle. For example, users of the global smart home platform Home Assistant can now connect and control 26 types of LG AI appliances, including refrigerators and washing machines, within their existing smart home environment. Home Assistant is a community-based open platform with about one million users worldwide who collaboratively develop various smart home functions such as device automation and feature expansion.
For enterprises, the ThinQ Business API supports partners operating office or residential buildings in integrating and managing various LG products, from appliances to commercial equipment like HVAC and signage, with their existing apps. For instance, large residential buildings can integrate LG appliances with their existing management apps for more convenient use. Residents can reserve the use of LG washers and dryers in common areas through the building management app, or administrators can detect abnormal conditions in the building using LG’s temperature and humidity sensors and quickly respond to issues through alert functions.
Ferre Brand Shines at EspritMeuble
The Ferre brand made a notable appearance at the EspritCuisine section of the EspritMeuble 2024 trade fair, showcasing an impressive range of kitchen appliances. Visitors were introduced to Ferre’s microwave ovens, table-top and freestanding cookers, built-in hobs, built-in ovens, and extractor hoods. With its own production facilities, Ferre offers a diverse array of products, featuring registered designs and patents tailored to meet various needs. The brand’s slogans, “For kitchens with style” and “Let your mood change with the Ferre extractor hood,” perfectly encapsulate its innovative spirit.
**Pride and Enthusiasm**
“Our participation in EspritMeuble, which gathers industry leaders and technology enthusiasts from around the globe, was a fantastic opportunity to present our latest products and receive valuable feedback. The experience filled us with pride and excitement,” said Barkin Ayata, Regional Export Manager. A highlight of the event was the introduction of the new Ferre FryArt, an innovative appliance that functions both as an oven and a hot air fryer, allowing for oil-free frying.
With over 45 years of experience, Fema Group continues to lead in development and innovation. Employing over 1,000 specialists, the company exports to five continents and more than 100 countries. Fema Group’s effective communication strategy and commitment to customer satisfaction ensure smooth order processing, even in the most remote areas, supported by branches in Istanbul and Kayseri. The group is involved in every stage, from design to after-sales service, including R&D and production.
Miele experience centre London
Premium appliance brand Miele has announced the opening of a new Experience Centre on London’s Wigmore Street, scheduled for March 2025. This new location will replace the current Experience Centre at Cavendish Place, offering a modern space for customers and retail partners to explore Miele’s full range of products. The new centre will feature live cooking demonstrations, product insights, and Kitchen Discovery Classes, providing a comprehensive and immersive experience for all visitors.
Currys results
Currys has recently highlighted the significant impact of Labour’s tax policies on its financial performance. In its half-year results for the six months ending 26 October 2024, the company estimated that these tax changes could cost up to £32 million.
This figure includes a £9 million increase due to National Living Wage hikes, a £12 million rise in National Insurance contributions, £2 million from inflation-based business rate increases, and up to £9 million in costs passed on from suppliers.
To mitigate these pressures, Currys plans to implement cost-saving measures such as process improvements, automation, offshoring, outsourcing, and overhead efficiencies. However, some price increases are expected to be unavoidable.
Despite these challenges, Currys reported a strong financial performance for the period. Adjusted earnings before interest and tax rose by 52% to £41 million, and group free cash flow increased to £50 million, up by £46 million. Revenue grew by 2% on a like-for-like basis, and the company ended the period with a net cash balance of £107 million.
CEO Alex Baldock expressed optimism about the company’s progress, noting significant growth in profits and cash flow, and a robust balance sheet. He highlighted the company’s preparedness for the peak trading period, with strong stock levels and competitive deals. Baldock also pointed out the rising demand for AI laptops, where Currys holds over 75% market share in the UK.
Looking ahead, Baldock remains confident in Currys’ ability to continue its growth trajectory, despite the new challenges posed by government policies. He emphasized the company’s focus on maintaining high levels of colleague engagement, increasing customer satisfaction, and growing cash flow for shareholders. Baldock also expressed gratitude to the Currys team for their hard work and dedication in driving the company’s success.
WHITEGOODSNOW 