The iconic Hoover factory in Merthyr Tydfil is set for demolition, closing a chapter in the town’s industrial history. Once employing 5,000 workers, the site has been a distribution base since production ended in 2009.
Hoover, now owned by Haier, is shutting operations entirely, thanking Merthyr for its role in their journey. The Walters Group plans to redevelop the land for 400+ homes by 2026, pending planning approval./
BSH, the home appliance division of the Munich-based Bosch Group, has been a fixture in New Bern, North Carolina, since 1997. With its North American headquarters based in California, BSH manufactures high-quality appliances under the Bosch, Thermador, and Gaggenau brands.
Now, the company is making a significant investment to establish New Bern as a central hub for cooking and dishwashing research, innovation, and manufacturing. This expansion also strengthens BSH’s distribution and customer support operations across the United States.
Darcy Clarkson, CEO of BSH Region North America, emphasized the importance of this move:
“BSH’s manufacturing operation has long called North Carolina home, and this expansion reflects the deepening of a valued relationship. New Bern’s role within BSH is growing, and this investment is one of several exciting developments that will expand our footprint, create new jobs, and drive innovation as we look to the future, with North America designated as a key growth region for BSH.”
With this latest investment, BSH continues to reinforce its commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainable growth in the U.S. market.
Zorlu Holding, a prominent Turkish conglomerate, is undertaking a significant restructuring effort, including the sale of assets and job cuts, as it grapples with a substantial $4.9 billion debt. Bloomberg reports that the İstanbul-based group will eliminate 2,000 positions, roughly 10% of the workforce at its electronics arm, Vestel Elektronik.
The move comes amidst a sharp decline in Vestel’s financial performance. In the first quarter of 2025, Vestel reported a net loss of 5.08 billion Turkish lira ($157 million),
Panasonic Holdings plans to shed about 10,000 jobs, or about 5 percent of its global workforce. The move is part of a drastic overhaul focusing on unprofitable businesses.The firm is considering selling its TV business and breaking up a unit that specializes in home appliances, air conditioners and lighting.
Polish BSH Factories Shine in Global Production Awards! ✨
Once again, the exceptional talent and dedication within BSH’s Polish plants have been recognized on a global stage. In the recent internal Production Awards competition, three Polish factories triumphed, showcasing groundbreaking projects that are truly transforming ways of working. 💡⚙️ 🏆
Leading the way, the washing machine factory clinched first place in the Organizational Culture category. Their winning project focused on fostering greater diversity within the internal transport department. Through proactive initiatives, they successfully adapted the majority of positions to be suitable for women. The remarkable results include enhanced diversity, a more positive and inclusive work environment, and a significant boost in workplace safety! 💪
Adding to Poland’s success in the same Organizational Culture category, the dryer factory secured a well-deserved place in the TOP 3. Their team revolutionized the approach to work safety by implementing the ABRA matrix. This initiative sparked over 400 improvements, fostered complete team engagement, and demonstrably elevated safety standards – a testament to their sense of responsibility and proactive approach! 🏭
Furthermore, the Wrocław oven factory earned a spot in the TOP 3 of the prestigious Factory of the Year category. This recognition celebrates the remarkable coherence between their vision, mission, and daily operations. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of the entire team, and the exceptional dedication of section managers, they successfully achieved strategic objectives, even in the face of challenges.
The Electrolux Group’s Adelaide factory has been recognised in the South Australian Climate Leaders Awards for their continued commitment to climate change.
The Adelaide factory which manufactures kitchen ovens was adjudged the winner of the Large Enterprise category.
Electrolux is the only large whitegoods company still manufacturing in Australia, employing approximately 450 local workers.
Haier Smart Home officially inaugurated the Egypt Ecological Park, marking a significant step in deepening its market presence in the Middle East and Africa and another milestone in its global expansion. Spanning 200,000 square meters with a designed capacity exceeding 1.5 million units, the Egypt Eco-Park’s first phase started in March with trial production of air conditioners and televisions. This month washing machines will be added, reaching a total production of more than 900,000 units per year. The second phase will include refrigerators, freezers, The Egypt Eco-Park will support the local economy by creating over 2,000 jobs
Susegana plant in Italy. Already one of the most automated production sites in the world. Here we produce built-in refrigerators that protect food quality and promote sustainable living, including the Electrolux 500-900 /AEG 5000-9000 fridge which contains 70% recycled plastic in the inner liners – a world first. The factory also sends zero waste to landfill.
And with new investment coming to the factory later this year, we will be able to create a new assembly line (to accompany two others) and high-tech systems, as well as retrain workers to further establish Susegana as a highly automated and digitalized production environment with an outstanding workforce.
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