Reinhard Zinkann, Executive Director and co-owner of the Miele Group, has been elected President of Applia Europe, succeeding former Beko CEO Hakan Bulgurlu for a four-year term.
The appointment is notable at a time when Europe’s household appliance industry faces increasing global competition. Zinkann brings not only executive leadership experience but also the perspective of a major shareholder and member of one of Europe’s most established family-owned manufacturing businesses.
Emphasising the importance of maintaining a strong industrial base, Zinkann stated: “Europe will only remain strong if it continues to build, produce and innovate on its own soil.”
His presidency is expected to focus on strengthening the competitiveness of the European appliance sector while supporting innovation, sustainability and local manufacturing across the region.
Tag Archives: Manufacturing
Strix Group
Strix Group has appointed Andy Rainforth as CEO from 13 July 2026. With over 30 years’ international leadership across manufacturing, hardware, and SaaS, his arrival signals a fresh phase of technology‑driven growth for the global SDA component specialist
Cafom Group buyer of the brands belonging to the Brandt Group.
The Nanterre Commercial Court has selected the Cafom Group as the buyer of the brands belonging to the Brandt Group. The deal, valued at €18.6 million, covers four well-known appliance brands—Brandt, Sauter, De Dietrich, and Vedette—along with their associated patents and existing inventory.
Following the acquisition, Cafom has already restarted distribution of these brands in both the French and international markets. The group has also outlined plans to progressively reindustrialize production, with a clear intention to maintain manufacturing activities in France 🇫🇷.
To support this strategy, Cafom has partnered with Arpa, an Alsatian company specializing in cooking appliances. Arpa will notably take charge of induction cooktop production and is expected to create over 50 jobs in the short term, rising to around 130 positions in the longer term as part of a new oven production and assembly line.
At the same time, EverEver, a start-up based in Brittany that had previously submitted its own bid for the brands, has been approached to help develop a new range of washing machines scheduled for launch in the coming months.
Cafom says the project represents a major step in strengthening the French appliance industry.
“We are proud to launch this ambitious project, which will create jobs in France, preserve national industrial heritage, and protect the purchasing power of French consumers,” the group stated. “This initiative also reinforces our position as a leading player in the distribution of home furnishings and household equipment.”
Through this acquisition and its industrial partnerships, Cafom aims to revitalize historic French appliance brands while rebuilding local manufacturing capacity—a move that could bring both economic and industrial benefits in the years ahead.
TCL to manufacturer in Bangladesh
TCL Global Marketing Company Limited has officially launched operations in Bangladesh, partnering with local tech leader DX Group to handle marketing, distribution, and manufacturing. The announcement was made at an event at Hotel Sheraton, Banani, where TCL shared its investment plans and commitment to building robust local production capabilities.The company plans to produce a range of products locally, including televisions, air conditioners, refrigerators, and washing machines,
Beko Radomsko Reaches 45 Million Appliances
A major achievement has just rolled off the production lines at Beko Radomsko facilities in Poland—the 45 millionth home appliance! This landmark moment reflects years of dedication, innovation, and teamwork.
Since opening its doors in 2008, Radomsko has evolved into one of Central Europe’s largest and most advanced manufacturing hubs. With six dishwasher lines and four washing machine lines, the site produces over 3 million appliances annually, serving households across the continent.
👷♀️👷♂️ At the heart of this success are the 1,500 talented colleagues who power Radomsko’s growth. As Michele Fabbrocile, MBA, MSc, Director of the Radomsko plants, proudly shares:
> 💬 “Our employees are the heart of this plant and the main reason why we have continued to grow for so many years.”
Radomsko operates under World Class Manufacturing standards, with continuous investment in cutting-edge technology, sustainable practices, and product excellence. It’s not just a cornerstone of our production network—it’s a benchmark for responsible industry.
EU appliance brands sounded the alarm in an open letter to European Commission President
The 15 leaders of top EU appliance brands sounded the alarm in an open letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen calling for a dedicated EU Action Plan for the home appliance industry.
Home appliances are essential to modern life. They keep food safe, enable hygiene, preserve health, and help millions of Europeans reduce energy bills and emissions every day. Behind these products stands a strategic industrial sector that contributes €79 billion to the EU economy, supports 1 million jobs, and operates 130 factories across Europe designing, engineering, and manufacturing in Europe, for Europe and the world.
Despite its significant contributions, the sector is being overlooked in the EU’s industrial strategy and is under serious strain.
Rising energy costs, fragmented regulations, overlapping standards, and growing global trade tensions are putting pressure on European manufacturers, pushing some companies to relocate production outside Europe.
👉 It’s time for the EU to prioritise and protect this essential industry.
Take a closer look at the full letter below 👀
Explore the proposed Action Plan: https://www.applia-europe.eu/news-applia/open-letter-from-eu-appliance-industry-leaders-to-european-commission-president-ursula-von-der-leyen
Elica acquiring stake in range cooker manufacturer
Elica S.p.A. announced the signing of an agreement to acquire a 28% stake in Steel Srl , an Italian company specializing in the production of range cookers and high-end outdoor solutions, with a progressive acquisition mechanism upon the occurrence of certain conditions.
This transaction strengthens the Elica Group’s presence in the premium cooking segment, accelerating its penetration of high-potential markets such as the United States and Canada. By October 2028, Elica will be able to acquire an additional 57%, bringing its stake to 85%.
Elica increases its stake in Chinese subsidiary to 100%,
Elica increases its Chinese control to 100%. The household appliance manufacturer has acquired the remaining 0.56% of the share capital of Elica Home Appliances (Zhejiang, Putian) from Fuji Industrial Co., already its partner in the Japanese joint venture Ariafina.The price agreed with Fuji corresponds to the amount originally paid by the counterparty upon its entry in 2012, equal to 1.9 million euros, consistent with the initial agreements and with the path of the joint venture, managed independently by Elica, also through recapitalization operations
Atlant Unveils New Refrigeration Solution for African Market
Atlant, a frontrunner in Belarus’s household appliance industry, continues to strengthen its global reach. According to Leonid Pinchuk, Deputy General Director for Commercial Affairs, more than 85% of the company’s products are destined for export. Key markets include Russia, Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan, with growing demand from Uzbekistan and other post-Soviet nations.
Atlant’s manufacturing facility is equipped with advanced, high-tech machinery and has achieved notable milestones—among them, the development of the nation’s first medical-grade freezers. These innovations aren’t just profitable—they’re essential. They equip Belarus’s healthcare system with the tools to operate independently and effectively.
One standout development is a serial-production blood component freezer engineered for the Ministry of Health. Capable of maintaining temperatures as low as –40°C, it also features data-logging technology that monitors door openings and ensures consistent temperature control.
Atlant’s growth strategy hinges on geographic expansion. The company has built a reputation for reliable quality and stylish design since its founding in 1959, always staying ahead of consumer expectations and industry trends.
Most recently, Atlant launched a special line of refrigerators tailored for the African market. Designed to withstand frequent power outages, these units run efficiently on solar energy—underscoring the company’s commitment to adaptable, sustainable solutions.
At its core, Atlant exemplifies the role of industry in driving economic progress. Its successes reflect not only innovation and resilience but also a coordinated effort to contribute meaningfully to Belarus’s development.
Whirlpool Expands U.S. Investment and Manufacturing
Whirlpool CEO Marc Bitzer reaffirmed the company’s commitment to domestic production, crediting supportive trade policies for encouraging new investments. The brand is launching products that affect 30% of its range, with a focus on U.S.-based manufacturing. Despite missing Q1 2025 forecasts, Bitzer remains confident that boosting factory output will drive profitability
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