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.
Tag Archives: sustainability
Elba Haier factory sustainability
Elba factory part of Haier Europe in Borso del Grappa has made great strides in sustainability, reflecting their commitment to creating a safe and environmentally friendly workplace.
In terms of energy efficiency, the factory has significantly decreased gas consumption and energy intensity. Water usage has also been optimized, resulting in a 24% reduction through activities in the water treatment system and process water use. Additionally, the factory has achieved a 98% waste recycling rate and reduced total waste by 13%.
These milestones are also reflected in the achievement of UNI/PdR 125:2022 certification for gender equality and UNI INAL certification for health and safety.
Elba’s product portfolio includes “Made in Italy” cookers, ovens, hobs, and hoods, which are exported to around 80 markets worldwide
Miele ribless drum washing machine
Laundry technology has evolved remarkably over the past two decades, with machines reaching peak energy efficiency. As further reductions in energy consumption become increasingly challenging, manufacturers are shifting their focus to sustainability in fabric care. Traditional washing machine drums feature ribs that create friction, leading to fiber abrasion and premature wear on textiles. However, removing these ribs poses a challenge—without them, laundry struggles to rotate properly in the drum.
Miele has introduced an innovative solution with the Nova Edition W2, the first washing machine featuring a ribless drum. Instead of conventional ridges, it utilizes honeycomb-shaped formations—dubbed “royal combs”—which gently guide laundry through the wash cycle. The true breakthrough lies in its dynamic motion. Rather than continuous rotation, the drum oscillates back and forth like a swing, intelligently adjusting until optimal fabric movement is achieved. This cutting-edge system processes over 700 technical signals per minute to ensure efficient and gentle washing.
Miele’s Next Leap Forward
The W2 Nova stands as Miele’s most advanced washing machine to date. With this innovation, the company aims to create another milestone in laundry care, reminiscent of its pioneering honeycomb drum and water spray technology introduced 25 years ago. By rethinking fabric treatment, Miele continues to push boundaries in sustainability and intelligent laundry solutions.
Building Bridges: APPLiA and China’s SAMR Collaborate on Market Surveillance and Sustainability
In the lead-up to the annual International Roundtable of Household Appliance Manufacturer Associations (IRHMA), APPLiA’s Director General Paolo Falcioni recently engaged in discussions with China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) in Beijing. The meeting centered on the EU Market Surveillance Framework and its crucial role in promoting product safety, regulatory compliance, and consumer protection.
As global markets become increasingly interconnected, such dialogues are pivotal in fostering mutual understanding and collaboration on key regulatory issues. The discussion highlighted opportunities for both regions to address the challenges of globalization, with a particular focus on advancing sustainability and innovation.
The exchange also delved into strategies for enhancing market oversight, navigating the complexities of international trade, and bolstering competitiveness on a global scale.
Whirlpool Revolutionizes Electronic Waste Management in Brazil
Brazil, Whirlpool Corporation is the first appliance company to offer free home collection nationwide for electronic equipment waste of any brand, weighing more than 30 kg, including refrigerators, washing machines, dryers and ranges, through its Take Back System.
Whirlpool works with Circulare, a platform that connects a circular economy ecosystem focused on electronic waste management. Whirlpool Corporation’s Take Back System helps address the challenge of 2.4 million tons of electronic waste generated annually in Brazil, fostering materials recycling and avoiding environmental impacts.
Electrolux annual report
AB Electrolux Annual Report for 2024 has been published on the Group’s website as of today.
The Annual Report in Swedish as well as an English translation are available on www.electroluxgroup.com
Beko Europe: Leading the Charge in Sustainability
With an impressive score of 89/100, Beko Europe has been recognized as the most sustainable brand in its sector, according to the 2024 edition of the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment.In addition, Arçelik, the Turkish parent company of Beko, has achieved the highest score in the Household Durables Industry category for the sixth consecutive year. Furthermore, Arçelik has secured the 44th position in the 2024 ranking of the 500 World’s Most Sustainable Companies,
Haier sustainability report
Haier Europe has published its 2023 Sustainability Report , highlighting significant achievements in reducing its environmental impact and improving its operational performance. The report highlights the company’s strategic investments in renewable energy, waste reduction and new innovations for sustainable production in its factories around the world, marking an important step in its commitment to environmental sustainability.
In 2023, Haier Europe achieved a 96% waste recovery rate and expanded its renewable energy capacity, with major solar installations, including a 5.25 MWp plant in Turkey and a 3.3 MW system in China. The company recently obtained the International Renewable Energy Certificate (I-REC) , certifying that 100% of the electricity used in manufacturing and administrative operations in Turkey in 2024 comes from renewable sources. These results support the company’s goal of covering 60% of energy needs with renewable sources in all factories by 2025 , in line with the Science Based Targets (SBTi) initiative.
Electrolux new head of Sustainability
Nikos Bartzoulianos has been appointed Chief Marketing Officer and Head of Sustainability at Electrolux Group. With experience at Samsung, Procter & Gamble, and McKinsey & Company, Bartzoulianos is well-prepared to lead Electrolux’s brand transformation and sustainability efforts.
ILVE new built in ovens
Introducing ILVE’s New Built-in Oven Series, a harmonious blend of timeless Italian design and technical excellence.
Perfectly aligned, these ovens seamlessly integrate into the most sophisticated interiors, offering tailored combinations for exceptional chef-like performance.
A more essential and refined design enhances the iconic ILVE Spa aesthetics, perfectly complementing the Majestic, Nostalgie, and professionalPlus styles.
Featuring:
🔹 Ultracombi Compact Oven: A versatile combination of hot air, steam, and microwave functions in a single appliance.
🔹 Pizza Oven: Crafted for pizza enthusiasts, this oven features a high-temperature setting to achieve the perfect crust and authentic Italian flavor.
🔹 Electric Oven: A state-of-the-art electric oven designed for precision cooking, featuring advanced temperature controls and a spacious interior for all culinary creations. Available in multiple variations and capacities, it offers extra features like advanced Pyrolytic Cleaning, Hydra Clean function, and an intuitive Touch e LCD display
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