Whirlpool Corporation Announces $300 Million Investment

The Michigan-based manufacturer, which started in the U.S. in 1911 and has stayed in the U.S. throughout its history, is preparing to ramp up production at two Ohio facilities.
Whirlpool Corporation today announced a planned $300 million investment in its U.S. laundry manufacturing facilities, one in a series of strategic commitments to grow its American manufacturing footprint. This investment is expected to create between 400 and 600 new jobs across the company’s operations in Clyde and Marion, Ohio, positioning Whirlpool Corp. for increased production of its next generation of washers and dryers, while also supporting approximately 5,000 additional jobs outside the company.

Homa Global Breaks Ground on First Overseas Factory in Thailand

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

LG Electronics Battles Tariffs with Subscription-Powered Appliance Strategy

LG Electronics reported Q3 revenue of ₩21.88 trillion and operating profit of ₩688.9 billion, down 1.4% and 8.4% year-over-year. The dip was largely due to tariff costs on U.S. appliance exports and sluggish global demand recovery.

Despite these challenges, LG is leaning into its appliance subscription business, which bundles products with services—offering a steady growth path and recurring revenue. The company is also optimizing global production to reduce tariff impacts.

Meanwhile, the TV division struggled with rising marketing costs and fierce competition. One-time expenses from voluntary retirements also affected profitability.

Looking ahead, LG is prioritizing qualitative growth in B2B sectors like HVAC and vehicle components, while expanding non-hardware businesses such as WebOS and online services. The upcoming IPO of its Indian subsidiary is expected to fuel future investments and restructuring.

More detailed earnings by division will be shared later this month.

BSH to Cut 1,400 Jobs Amid Declining Market Demand

BSH Hausgeräte has announced plans to reduce its workforce by approximately 1,400 employees, citing persistent overproduction and weakening consumer demand. The decision, revealed at the company’s headquarters in Munich, reflects broader industry challenges including a sluggish real estate market and a growing shift toward budget-friendly appliances.

The restructuring will significantly impact two key manufacturing sites in Germany. The Bretten facility in Baden-Württemberg will see the most substantial changes, with the discontinuation of stove and extractor hood production, as well as logistics operations, by the end of Q1 2028. This move will affect around 980 employees.

Meanwhile, the Nauen site in Brandenburg will phase out washing machine production by mid-2027, impacting approximately 440 employees.

BSH emphasized that these measures are part of a long-term strategy to align production capacity with market realities and evolving consumer behavior

LG’s PuroTec™ Ushers in a New Era of Hygiene-First Home Appliances

LG Electronics has officially introduced its cutting-edge antimicrobial material, PuroTec™, to the European market—marking a pivotal moment for hygiene innovation in domestic appliances. Unveiled at K 2025, the world’s leading plastics and rubber trade fair in Düsseldorf, Germany, PuroTec™ is poised to redefine how we think about cleanliness and contamination control in everyday household products.

🔬 What Is PuroTec™?

PuroTec™ is a glass powder-based antimicrobial and antifungal additive. When incorporated into materials like plastic, paint, or rubber—even in small amounts—it actively combats odors and microbial contamination. Its versatility makes it ideal for a wide range of applications, but LG is placing a strong emphasis on its transformative potential in home appliances.

🏠 Domestic Appliances Get a Hygiene Upgrade

At the K Show, LG showcased a lineup of PuroTec™-enhanced products, with a spotlight on washing machines and refrigerators—two appliances that are especially vulnerable to moisture, mold, and bacterial buildup. By embedding PuroTec™ into the materials used in these appliances, LG is offering consumers a smarter, more sanitary solution for everyday living.

Other household items on display included:

– Bathroom fixtures with antimicrobial surfaces 
– Sofas and clothing treated to resist fungal growth 
– Automobile seats designed for cleaner, longer-lasting use 

This innovation aligns with growing consumer demand for health-conscious home environments, especially in the wake of heightened awareness around hygiene and indoor air quality.

Electrolux Cooktop Recall: Safety Warning and Consumer Action Guide

Energy Safe Victoria has launched legal action against Electrolux following reports of glass gas cooktops shattering—some causing injury. The investigation found the affected models may not have met Australian safety standards, and were supplied even after failing certification tests.

If consumers contact you about these cooktops, direct them to Electrolux on 1800 001 218. They’re offering free technician visits for replacements or full refunds.

Electrolux states it is cooperating with authorities and “takes safety very seriously.”

Under Victorian law, supplying non-compliant appliances or withholding safety information can result in fines up to $250,000 per offence.

Waterline Enters Administration as Crown Imperial Shifts Distribution Strategy

UK kitchen& appliances distributor Waterline has officially entered administration, bringing weeks of speculation about the company’s future to a close. The business has now ceased trading, according to multiple staff members. At this time, the identity of the appointed administrator remains unconfirmed.

Despite Waterline’s closure, its sister company Crown Imperial continues to operate independently. Earlier this week, Crown Imperial announced it would no longer rely on Waterline as its exclusive distributor. Instead, the kitchen brand will now supply products directly to retailers, ensuring continuity of service and product availability.

Arçelik Secures €150 Million EBRD Loan to Accelerate Green Manufacturing in Turkey

Turkish home appliance giant Arçelik has announced a new €150 million ($173.9 million) financing agreement with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), aimed at advancing its environmentally sustainable manufacturing initiatives.

The funding will be split into two strategic components:

– €83 million will be allocated to Turkey’s first externally verified green loan in the manufacturing sector. This portion will support Arçelik’s comprehensive green investment program, including the transformation of production processes, modernization of facilities, and R&D efforts focused on developing eco-friendly appliances.

– €67 million will be used to upgrade key manufacturing sites—specifically, the refrigerator plant in Eskişehir and the cooking appliances facility in Bolu—enhancing energy efficiency and operational sustainability.

This latest investment builds on a previous €150 million EBRD loan that enabled Arçelik to produce quieter, more energy-efficient refrigerators and washing machines, which have seen strong demand in international markets.

According to the company, these new initiatives are designed to help meet its 2030 climate goals and align with the broader objectives of the Paris Agreement

Kevin Hart Joins SharkNinja as Global Brand Ambassador, Teaming Up with David Beckham in New Campaign

SharkNinja, Inc.the $13.8 billion household appliance powerhouse, has named comedian and actor Kevin Hart as its newest global brand ambassador. Hart joins football legend David Beckham, expanding the brand’s star-powered lineup.