Europe’s home appliance sector is in the middle of a remarkable innovation surge. Over the past decade, the number of patents granted for home appliances has more than doubled—rising from 2,191 in 2014 to over 4,700 in 2024. Behind this growth is a vibrant ecosystem of engineers, designers and researchers working across Europe to create products that are more efficient, more connected and built to last.
This wave of innovation doesn’t just benefit consumers looking for smarter, greener appliances. It also strengthens Europe’s industrial competitiveness at a time when global markets are shifting fast. But maintaining this momentum requires the right environment—one that supports investment, encourages research and development, and ensures manufacturers can scale new technologies across the continent.
The Challenges Threatening Europe’s Innovation Lead
Despite the progress, the industry is sounding the alarm.
APPLiA, the association representing Europe’s home appliance manufacturers, warns that several mounting pressures could slow the sector’s growth:
– Rising operational and production costs
– Increasingly complex regulatory requirements
– Uneven enforcement of EU rules across member states
These challenges risk pushing innovation—and the jobs and skills that come with it—outside Europe’s borders.
A Call for an EU Action Plan
To safeguard the future of Europe’s home appliance industry, APPLiA is urging policymakers to adopt a dedicated EU Action Plan for the Home Appliance Industry.
The goal is clear: keep innovation, manufacturing and technical expertise rooted in Europe.
Such a plan would aim to:
– Create a predictable and supportive regulatory environment
– Encourage long‑term investment in R&D
– Strengthen Europe’s position as a global leader in sustainable, high‑performance appliances
– Ensure fair and consistent rule enforcement across all EU markets
Discover the Campaign
APPLiA’s campaign outlines concrete proposals designed to help the industry continue delivering the efficient, durable and connected products consumers expect—while keeping Europe competitive on the world stage.
👉 Explore the full campaign and proposals to see what’s at stake for the future of European home appliances.
Tag Archives: European Manufacturing
Beko Europe Signs Framework Agreement to Drive Industrial Transformation
After nearly five months of negotiations, Beko Europe has finalized a framework agreement with the government, Regions, and social partners to implement an industrial transformation plan for the sites previously owned by Merloni and Whirlpool. This milestone agreement, endorsed by 88% of workers’ assemblies, marks a significant step in modernizing operations while prioritizing job preservation.
Minister Adolfo Urso hailed the agreement as “historic and essential for governing this industrial transition, safeguarding the exceptional strength of Made in Italy, which is becoming a key driver in Europe for this major multinational.” Fatih Ebiçlioğlu, President of Beko Europe and the Consumer Durables division of Koç Holding, echoed the sentiment, stating, “Italy has always been a strategic pillar for our global activities, and today’s agreement is a decisive step for our group’s future in the country.”
**Employment Measures and Investment Commitments**
The agreement successfully reduces redundancies from over 1,935 to 937 positions. Additionally, 287 workers at the Siena site (bringing the total to 1,284) will have access to conservative social safety nets and voluntary exit incentives. Beko has committed to managing any potential surpluses until 2027 exclusively through these measures, offering incentives such as 48-month pension slips and severance packages of up to €90,000 for workers over fifty who are ineligible for pension requirements.
**Site-Specific Developments and Investment Plans**
– **Cassinetta di Biandronno (VA)**: This site will focus on producing built-in cooking and refrigeration appliances, supported by €136 million in investments for product development, research, and energy efficiency improvements, including €8.5 million for solar panel installations.
– **Melano (AN)**: Set to become a European hub for gas, radiant, and induction hobs, the site will benefit from a €62 million investment in product and process development, with €1.5 million allocated for energy efficiency enhancements and solar panels.
– **Comunanza (AP)**: Maintaining its role in producing washer-dryers and high-capacity models, the site will introduce a new product line with €15 million in investments, including €3 million for sustainability measures.
– **Carinaro**: Strengthened as a central hub for spare parts and accessories, the site will manage European order fulfillment and appliance regeneration. A €5 million investment will expand storage capacity and modernize technological processes.
– **Fabriano**: The electronics Research and Development hub, originally slated for closure, will remain operational, underscoring Beko’s commitment to innovation.
A Historic €300 Million Investment Plan
The €300 million investment plan aims to modernize products, upgrade facilities, and ensure the long-term viability of all factories, safeguarding employment levels while driving innovation.
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