In a move that reinforces its reputation as one of the appliance industry’s most forward-thinking brands, Smeg has released its latest Environmental, Social, Economic, and Governance (ESG) report for the year ending 2024. The document, published this week, offers a detailed look at how the Italian manufacturer is aligning its global operations with sustainability and ethical business practices.
From its iconic retro refrigerators to cutting-edge kitchen technology, Smeg has long been known for blending style with substance. But behind the polished steel and pastel finishes lies a deeper mission: to ensure that its production and distribution processes reflect a responsible, future-focused ethos.
According to the report, ESG principles are now central to Smeg’s decision-making across all markets. The company outlines initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact, fostering inclusive workplaces, and strengthening governance frameworks. These efforts span everything from energy-efficient manufacturing to community engagement and transparent leadership.
The report also touches on Smeg’s economic resilience, highlighting how sustainable growth and long-term value creation are being prioritized over short-term Smeg Sustainability Report 2024
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LG new Indian factory
LG Electronics India Ltd. announced the commencement of construction of its new manufacturing facility in Sri City, Andhra Pradesh.The new plant is expected to commence operations by the end of 2026.
The facility will manufacture a diverse range of products, including AC compressors, refrigerators, washing machines and air conditioners.
Electrolux to keep production in Egypt
After an evaluation of various alternatives, Electrolux Group has decided to retain its business in Egypt since the value is considered to be higher if it remains within the Group.
The business in Egypt includes sales and production of major appliances as well as water heaters and is profitable with well-established and strong brands.
“We have a successful business in Egypt and after evaluating different options, we concluded that it will create a higher value by continuing to be part of the Group”, says Yannick Fierling, President & CEO of Electrolux Group. “Our objectives going forward are to take advantage of the growing market in Egypt and increase our market share as well as to expand export from Egypt.”
The potential divestment of the Group’s business in Egypt was communicated as part of the announcement on July 20, 2023 to initiate preparations for divestment of certain assets. After today’s announcement, this divestment program is closed
Beko Egypt White goods plant built at a total investment of $110m
Beko has placed industrial localisation at the forefront of its strategy with its first manufacturing plant in the 10th of Ramadan industrial city.
The facility, covering 114,000 square metres, will heavily rely on local suppliers, with the local content expected to reach 50-60 percent, said Umit Günel, General Manager of Beko Egypt.
“Beko Egypt’s local manufacturing drive aims to make Egypt a central hub for exporting home appliances to Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, with 60 percent of production allocated for export,” he told Zawya Projects, adding that the plant is projected to generate $250 million annually in export revenues.
The plant was officially inaugurated last week.
He emphasised the company’s commitment to boosting cooperation with local manufacturers of plastics, cables, and metals to deepen localisation, adding that within the first six months of operations, Beko Egypt increased its production capacity from 1 million to 1.5 million units of ovens and refrigerators annually and expanded its supplier network.
The plant, built with an investment exceeding $110 million, will focus on producing eco-friendly home appliances designed to save water and energy in line with Egypt’s green economy goals. It is also expected to provide over 2,000 jobs for Egyptian youth, bolstering the national economy.
Günel said the facility will run on renewable energy, supporting Beko’s ‘Zero Waste’ policy. Any production waste will be recycled, with metals and other components re-evaluated for quality.
“Beko’s dishwashers, for example, will incorporate plastic parts made from recycled materials, reflecting the company’s commitment to sustainability,” he said.
The Beko Egypt official noted that, despite tough market competition, the company is ready to expand further, continuously assessing new possibilities to introduce additional products. The dishwashing segment has received fast-track approval from Egyptian authorities.
Beko, which ranks as the second-largest household appliance brands in the region and among the top ten worldwide, currently produces 65 million units annually across the globe. The company’s global operations span 58 countries with 46 production facilities in 14 countries
Haier new smart manufacturing air conditioning factory?
Unconfirmed Chinese press reports claim that Haier plans to invest CNY2.5bn (US$350m) to build a new smart manufacturing air conditioning factory in Qingdao, eastern Shandong Province.
The factory, near Haier’s current headquarters, will be capable of producing five million sets per year. These will include wall-mounted units, duct units, multi-splits, heat pumps and other products for the domestic market, Europe, North America, Australia, the Middle East, and southeast Asia.
The first phase is expected to be put into production in September 2026 and the second phase in December 2027.
BSH new Mexico factory
BSH Opens First Refrigeration Factory in Mexico
State-of-the-art production facility starts operations in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, after 18 months of construction
Home appliance manufacturer produces large double-door refrigerators for the North American market
BSH is investing around 220 million euros and plans to create around 1,500 skilled jobs in the region with the factory
Europe’s leading home appliance manufacturer, BSH Hausgeräte GmbH, is expanding its global production network and will be manufacturing in Mexico into the future. In Monterrey, in the state of Nuevo Leon, large double-door, so-called French Door Bottom Mount refrigerators are now coming off the production line. The appliances produced under the Bosch and Thermador brands are specially tailored to the needs of consumers in the North American market.
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.
Electrolux EcoLine Hub at Fuorisalone
The Electrolux EcoLine Hub is open now at Fuorisalone 2024, our one-off installation aimed at increasing environmental awareness and more sustainable living practices.
If you’re attending Milan Design Week then please come and visit us. You’ll find the Electrolux EcoLine Hub within the BAM – Biblioteca degli Alberi (Library of Trees) and we’ll be open until Sunday 21 April.
A unique space where education meets inspiration, the Electrolux EcoLine Hub also includes an exhibition of products that are part of the Electrolux EcoLine range – a selection of our most energy efficient kitchen and laundry appliancesThe products dedicated to garment treatment feature a revamped design that enhances and simplifies the physical and digital user experience. For the first time, Electrolux’ washing machines feature the SmartSelect interface, which adjusts cycle duration and temperature based on needs and can help save water, energy and time. The SensiCare+ technology allows to save up to 40 percent in time, water, and energy by detecting the weight of each load and adjusting the wash cycle*. The SmartSave function featured in the dryers allows to choose between drying more energy efficiently or faster to save time. Visitors will also have the opportunity to explore in detail all the new features of the latest models in an immersive and in-depth experience.
In addition, thanks to AWorld, a mobile app that fosters a culture of sustainability through gamification, it will be possible to calculate one’s Carbon Footprint, introducing a fun way to learn about sustainability. Furthermore, a collection point for small WEEE will be set up inside the Hub, thanks to the partnership with Erion WEEE, a non-profit consortium for electronic waste management and recycling of which Electrolux is an active member. In addition, “Materia Viva” (“Living matter”), a docufilm created by Erion WEEE in collaboration with Libero Produzioni to raise awareness about sustainability, the circular economy and WEEE, will be screened. Leveraging a pop approach, experts and well-known personalities guide the audience to good recycling practices, demonstrating how simple gestures can help contributing to a better future.
Haier cutting workforce at its Romanian factory
Haier, owner of Candy-Hoover group in Europe, will make redundant 400 of its 1,000 employees at its refrigerator factory opened in 2021 in Romania upon an investment of EUR 70 million, out of which EUR 25 million provided by the state through a grant.The factory is located in the Allianso Industrial Park in Ariceştii Rahtivani, near Ploiesti, on 63,000 sqm
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