Whirlpool Reshapes Global Footprint: Reduces Stake in India, Halts Production in Argentina

Whirlpool Corporation is recalibrating its international operations with two major moves in India and Argentina, signaling a shift in its global appliance strategy.

📉 Stake in Whirlpool India Drops to 40%

On November 27, Whirlpool Corporation announced it had reduced its ownership in Whirlpool of India Limited from 51% to approximately 40%. The change follows the sale of 14.26 million equity shares by its wholly owned subsidiary, Whirlpool Mauritius Limited, in an on-market transaction.

While Whirlpool retains a significant minority stake, the move suggests a strategic realignment in one of Asia’s fastest-growing appliance markets. Whirlpool India remains a key player in refrigeration, laundry, and kitchen appliances, with a strong retail and service network across the subcontinent.

🛑 Production Ceases at Argentina’s Pilar Laundry Plant

Just a day earlier, on November 26, Whirlpool Argentina announced it will cease manufacturing operations at its Pilar Laundry Plant. Opened in 2022 with a $52 million investment, the facility was designed to produce 300,000 high-capacity washing machines annually and aimed to become Argentina’s largest appliance exporter—primarily serving Latin American markets like Brazil.

Despite the shutdown, Whirlpool confirmed it will maintain its commercial and after-sales service operations in Argentina, ensuring continued availability of products, accessories, and spare parts. The company emphasized its long-standing presence in the country, where it has operated for over 35 years.

Exports of home appliances from Europe

Exports of home appliances from Europe continued their steady growth in 2024, reaching markets worldwide. Large appliances drove the flow, while the EU itself remained a key export destination, confirming its role as a central hub for European producers. 📈 Explore more data read APPLIA report https://statreport2024.applia-europe.eu/

Xiaomi Mijia Dual-Zone Washer Pro: Laundry Revolution with Dual Drums

Xiaomi throws down the laundry gauntlet with its new Mijia Dual-Zone Washer Pro, a clever 10kg washer-dryer boasting a stacked dual-drum design. This premium appliance features a primary 10kg drum for everyday loads and a separate, smaller drum ideal for delicates like lingerie or activewear.
Beyond its innovative design, the washer employs a Blue Oxygen Care Wash system, leveraging active oxygen to tackle yellowing, stains, and color bleeding in mixed washes. For hygiene, steam sterilization eliminates a remarkable 99.99% of bacteria, including H1N1 and HPV-16, alongside allergens, earning it medical-grade certifications for both drums.
Independent water and drainage systems ensure zero cross-contamination between the tubs. A direct-drive inverter motor, coupled with a sophisticated dual suspension system and eccentricity detection, promises minimal noise and vibration.
Convenience is key with features like a 12-minute quick wash, powerful pet hair removal, and a Smart Fresh Air mode that auto-refreshes forgotten laundry. The appliance also sports a bright, unified full-touch display for controlling both drums and integrates seamlessly with XiaoAI voice commands, over-the-air updates, and the AloT smart home ecosystem

Gazprom shifts gears: From gas exports to home appliances

Gazprom, the Russian gas giant, is planning to produce washing machines and refrigerators at the former Bosch plant near St. Petersburg. This move comes as a response to the decline in gas exports to Europe and the absence of a new contract with China. Production is expected to commence later this year

The future of home appliances in Europe

Rising material costs and high energy prices are posing significant challenges for EU manufacturers in maintaining global competitiveness.

Electricity prices in Europe are currently 2-3 times higher than in the US, resulting in increased investment costs for EU manufacturers compared to their global counterparts.

Additionally, the global supply of critical raw materials is concentrated in a few regions, making the EU vulnerable to price fluctuations, supply chain disruptions, and potential geopolitical leverage. This underscores the urgent need for diversified supply chains and the establishment of new and existing trade relationships to boost critical raw material extraction and recycling within the region and beyond.

We advocate for a stronger alignment of policies with decarbonisation goals to enable Europe to lead the #techrace, ensuring a competitive and sustainable future for European manufacturers.

Samsung Electronics Launches Subscription Service for Home Appliances

Samsung Electronics launched its new home appliance subscription service, the “AI Subscription Club,” on Dec. 1. This service will be available at Samsung Stores nationwide and on Samsung.com, marking a significant move in the competitive landscape of the home appliance market.

The AI Subscription Club allows consumers to pay a monthly fee to use a range of home appliances, including TVs, refrigerators, washing machines, and vacuum cleaners. Over 90% of these appliances incorporate advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technology, enhancing their functionality and convenience. The service offers various pricing plans, including an all-in-one plan that allows customers to combine products, free repairs, and care services for up to 60 months. Alternatively, the smart plan lets consumers choose only the services they want, with durations of either 36 months or 60 months.

The AI Subscription Club leverages the AI capabilities of Samsung’s SmartThings platform to provide care services. Subscription customers receive a monthly care report detailing device diagnostics, usage patterns, and energy consumption. Additionally, Samsung has prepared billing discounts with card companies and various partnership services to enhance the value of the subscription

Italian home appliances and consumer electronics market

Italian home appliances and consumer electronics market closed 2023 with a decline in turnover of -6.4%, for an overall market value of 16 billion euros. The sector is experiencing a phase of slowdown in demand, due both to the saturation effect resulting from the record sales recorded in the years of the pandemic, and to consumer concerns linked to the high cost of living and international crises the only exceptions are Major Domestic Appliances (+3%) and Small Domestic Appliances (+0.3%), which remain in the positive area. The most negative sector of all is that of Consumer Electronics which recorded a contraction of -28.7%, while the Home Comfort saw a slight drop in sales (-2.8%).