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.

IFA 2025

IFA Berlin 2025 Opening Press Conference launched strong messages building on continuity and looking boldly into the future. The show has the powerful ambition to help all of us to “Imagine the future and shape it together”. Leif Lindner and Sara Warneke raised the curtain in anticipation of the exciting days.

IFA Berlin has always been about:

🔹 Innovation, transformation and people
🔸 Connecting people, ideas, and solutions
🔹 Bringing innovation to life and inspiring for a better life
🔸 Exploring what is in the future for all of us
🔹 Creating experiences beyond product presentations

➡️ This year’s focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) is striking. AI is embedded everywhere, in all the products and solutions showcased at IFA Berlin.

Africa domestic appliance market

The domestic appliances market in Africa is set for steady expansion, fueled by growing consumer demand. Forecasts indicate a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.6% in unit sales and 2.9% in market value from 2024 to 2035. By the end of this period, the industry is projected to reach 366 million units in sales, with a total market valuation of $25.5 billion. This upward trend reflects the region’s increasing appetite for modern appliances and economic development driving household investments.

EU gives Midea green light to buy Teka, KüppersbuschEU gives Midea green light to buy Teka, Küppersbusch

Good news for Midea! European regulators have approved their purchase of the Teka Group, a well-known maker of kitchen appliances. This means Midea now owns brands like Teka, Küppersbusch, and Intra, and will oversee Teka’s 10 factories around the world. Teka, which has offices in 33 countries and employs 3,000 people, had a turnover of €660 million last year. This acquisition marks a big step for Midea as they expand their reach in the kitchen appliance industry.

Europe’s new industrial strategy

With 75% of large and 50% of small appliances made and sold in Europe, the home appliance industry is a major economic asset for the EU.

In designing the Clean Industrial Deal, the European Commission must ensure that this industrial excellence is preserved and enhanced.

Today the sector supports 1 million families across the EU, but this workforce is at risk if there are no clear signals from policymakers encouraging manufacturing within Europe.Read the full analysis: https://applia-europe.eu/news-applia/5-reasons-home-appliances-are-key-to-europes-new-industrial-strategy

Haier Europe closes Brugherio plant

Haier Europe today presented to the unions (OO.SS. and RSU) the business transformation plan that includes the rationalization of its production presence in Europe. The plan aims to consolidate production capacity in a few large strategic sites and to carry out an in-depth review of costs and processes, in order to improve operational efficiency and continue to invest in innovation and product and brand leadership.

The plan includes the closure of the Aricestii Rahtivani plant in Romania by the end of March 2025 and the cessation of production activities at the Brugherio site in Italy by June 2025, followed by a reconversion project aimed at minimizing the social impact and preserving its strategic role.

Rowenta manufacturing returns to France

Rowenta, the number one floor care brand in France, is taking a significant step by relocating the production of its stick vacuums. These products, previously made in China, will now be produced at their site in Vernon (Eure) to meet the growing demand in France and across Europe.  This strategic relocation is part of our commitment to strengthen local roots while delivering products that are increasingly efficient and environmentally friendly. In 2024, the X-Force Flex 13.60 will become the first cordless vacuum cleaner made in France, followed by the launch of the X-Force Flex 14.80 in March 2025.To celebrate 140 years of innovation, Rowenta is hosting a unique event in Paris: an immersive pop-up store open to the public, where visitors can discover our latest products and test them in real-life scenarios inspired by post-party scenes. For 140 years, Rowenta has been innovating to improve the daily lives of consumers worldwide.

Bosch new factory

A new small household appliance factory for BSH in Poland!  BSH is taking another big step. A new factory will be built in Rudna Wielka near Rzeszów, to which we will move the production of vacuum cleaners and capsule coffee machines from the current nearby location. The total value of this project in the coming years will amount to almost PLN 600 million. The area of 73,000 m² will include a production hall, a logistics center and offices. At the design stage of the new factory, we paid special attention to safety and very good working conditions. The new factory for BSH will be built by Panattoni Poland . Completion of construction is planned for mid-2026.

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.

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