Elba Italy: Celebrating 75 Years of Excellence in Kitchen Innovation

Elba Italy, a renowned name in kitchen appliances and a true emblem of “Made in Italy,” is celebrating its remarkable 75th anniversary. Since its inception in 1950, the brand has continually evolved while steadfastly preserving the values that have earned it global recognition. This milestone is more than just a celebration of Elba Italy’s success story—it’s a stepping stone to new opportunities, markets, and challenges. With unwavering passion and dedication, Elba Italy continues to inspire excellence on the world stage and build upon its legacy of innovation and quality.The production site, located in the Veneto region, covers an area of over 54,000 m² and employs more than 400 people , maintaining a strong local connection and a production process entirely Made in Italy. Thanks to 47 different production platforms and a supply chain that involves hundreds of certified suppliers, the company guarantees the production of over 300,000 household appliances per year.

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.

Fulgor Milano new products

Fulgor Milano is presenting the latest model of the Professional line as a world premiere at Eurocucina/FTK 2024: the new Sofia range 60″ Induction All Glass, a Made in Italy product for domestic use but with professional features. It is a range with essential lines and large dimensions. “Sofia – the company explains – is the first 60” (150 cm) range in the world to have a single, wide and resistant glass-ceramic hob which considerably facilitates cleaning”. The induction hob offers 8 cooking zones: 2 double-adjustable inductors, 2 standard zones and 4 zones in the center with Bridge function for large pans and griddle. The product is controlled by practical knobs. Sofia also includes 2 pyrolytic ovens (30”), equipped with double ventilation and telescopic racks; furthermore the doors present soft closing and 4 heat-reflective glasses. Fulgor Milano also offers the version with Teppanyaki plate. In this case the product includes 7 induction zones and 2 ovens (24″ and 36″). In addition to these ranges, other new products on display at the Fulgor Milano stand include, for example, the 90 cm Enova+ induction hob with integrated hood, the new ovens from the Urbantech Touch line and a new version of the Aria+ hob. Finally, at the stand there is also a proposal of domino hobs, including the Wok.