The company behind the Hotpoint fridge-freezer linked to the devastating Grenfell Tower fire is facing legal action for allegedly failing to test the model’s materials against fire safety standards.
As reported by the *Financial Times*, Beko Europe—formerly known as Whirlpool—is among several businesses named in a High Court lawsuit exceeding £358 million. Investigations previously identified the Hotpoint FF175BP fridge-freezer as the likely initial source of the fire in June 2017, which tragically claimed over 70 lives.
Lawyers representing the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, as detailed in *The Guardian*, argue that Beko Europe neglected to test critical materials such as the plastic backing, foam, and polystyrene used in the fridge-freezer. They contend that such materials would have failed compliance under the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994 if properly tested.
In response, the company disputes these allegations and asserts it is “vigorously defending” the claims.
Meanwhile, Arçelik, the Turkish parent company of the Beko brand, completed a merger last year with U.S.-based Whirlpool, forming Beko Europe.
The issue of fire safety in household appliances has been a longstanding concern. A 2013 report by the London Fire Brigade highlighted fridges and freezers as among the “most dangerous household appliances during a fire,” citing the high amounts of plastic and flammable insulation as contributing to approximately 300 fridge-related fires annually across Great Britain.
Tag Archives: Whirlpool
Whirlpool jobs to go
Whirlpool Corporation is reducing its workforce by approximately 650 employees at its Amana, Iowa operations, effective June 1, 2025.
The company said the move is driven by shifting consumer demand, not by external pressures like tariffs or regulatory changes.
Affected employees work in specific production teams, though Whirlpool has not detailed which lines or departments will be impacted.
Whirlpool @KBIS 2025
Whirlpool invites you to explore their Gallery of Care, where you’ll discover how their appliances are specifically designed to support families through the real pain points of everyday life.
Some new, standout appliance innovations Whirlpool will feature at the show include:
The Whirlpool ® 5.0 cu. ft. Smart Front Load ENERGY STAR Washer with the FreshFlow Vent System, with the first fan-powered system with antimicrobial protection
The Whirlpool ® 7.4 cu. ft. Smart Front Load ENERGY STAR Gas Dryer with Steam Capabilities, with steam-enhanced cycles and options to help prevent wrinkles, refresh clothes and reduce static
The Whirlpool ® 30-inch Smart Electric Smart Range, with Air Cooking Technology and simple cleanup thanks to its WipeClean™ coating
The Whirlpool® 36-inch Wide Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator with EasyView Crispers and EasyReach Zone
Whirlpool goes through round of layoffs, cuts administrative jobs
The appliance giant based in Benton Harbor confirms it’s cutting administrative jobs across the workforce, The company didn’t say specifically how many jobs are impacted, but did say less than 1 percent of the total workforce.Whirlpool says it’s establishing an organization to standardize IT, human resources and finances and remain based out of Benton Harbor
Whirlpool shares fall
Whirlpool shares are falling sharply following the appliance manufacturer’s fourth quarter earnings report, which fell short of analysts’ expectations. The company missed Wall Street’s revenue and profit forecasts, while also issuing lower-than-expected guidance for 2025.
Recall: Glass cooktops may turn on by themselves
Some Whirlpool, KitchenAid, and JennAir brand glass cooktops could be a fire hazard.A recall notice posted by the Consumer Product Safety Commission said certain models can turn on by themselves.
The recall applies to about 26,300 stoves sold in the United States, along with 1,928 sold in Canada and Mexico.
The recalled stoves were manufactured between December 2016 and July 2019.
After 20 years Paolo Lioy leaves Whirlpool – Beko
Having accomplished the mission of integrating Whirlpool’s activities in Italy and Iberia into Beko Europe , Paolo Lioy leaves the company where he worked for over 20 years, the last 6 as CEO in Italy. A long goodbye on Linkedin does not reveal the reasons for his exit, nor his next destination.
Whirlpool Gains With Higher Prices Making Up for Tepid Sales
Whirlpool Corp., the owner of Maytag, rose in early trading Thursday after reporting better than expected earnings, and reaffirming its full-year sales forecast.The results show that things aren’t getting worse for Whirlpool, which also owns the KitchenAid brand. While net sales trailed projections, the company said it expects consumer sentiment to improve once the US presidential election is over.
Net sales were $3.99 billion in the three months ended Sept. 30, Whirlpool reported Wednesday. That compares with an estimate for $4.09 billion, according to the average of projections from Bloomberg. Adjusted earnings per share, however, beat expectations, helped by higher prices during promotional periods
Net sales will be about $16.9 billion this year, the company said. Whirlpool also reaffirmed its guidance for adjusted earnings per share.
Whirlpool shares rose 6.8% as of 9:36 a.m. in New York Thursday. The stock had dropped 18% this year through Wednesday’s close, as the S&P 500 Index gained more than 21%.
Whirlpool Smart Front Load Laundry Pair
The new Whirlpool® Smart Front Load Laundry Pair is a great example of innovation and upgrades born out of direct consumer feedback,” said Morgan LaLonde, Whirlpool Laundry Brand Manager. “We know laundry can feel like a never-ending task, and the last thing busy families want is to rewash a load because it sat for too long or took extra steps to get the clean results they expect. We developed a system that not only lets consumers close the washer door and help keep the machine fresh, but helps ensure clothes stay fresh and cared for as well.”Steam Capabilities: Steam-enhanced cycles and options help prevent wrinkles, refresh clothes and reduce static. So your clothes come out looking their best.
Steam Refresh Cycle: Release wrinkles using the Steam Refresh Cycle to get clothes ready to wear without rewashing.
AI Intelligent Dry: Uses three sensors to detect moisture and temperature to automatically adjust dry time.Achieve the ultimate time-saving duo by pairing the 25 minute Quick Wash cycle on the washer with a 30 minute timed dry* to finish laundry in under one hour. The washer and dryer also both come with Smart Capabilities so you can easily start, pause, track progress and receive cycle notifications right from your smartphone with the Whirlpool® App.Colour options include White, Radiant Silver and matte Volcano Black.
Bosch weighs offer for appliance maker Whirlpool,
German engineering group Robert Bosch is weighing a bid for US appliances manufacturer Whirlpool, (WHR) according to three people familiar with the matter, a move that would boost its position in the household appliances market.
Bosch has been talking to potential advisers about the possibility of making an offer for Whirlpool, which has a market capitalisation of about $4.8 billion, one of the sources said.Bosch weighs offer for appliance maker Whirlpool,potential acquisition could significantly enhance Bosch’s position in the household appliance market, especially as competition with Asian rivals intensifies12. Whirlpool, founded in 1911, produces a wide range of home appliances, including refrigerators, microwaves, washing machines, dryers, and small kitchen appliances. The company has undergone restructuring, folding its European business into a new company controlled by Turkish rival Arcelik and divesting its Middle Eastern and African operations.
While it remains uncertain whether Bosch will make an official offer, the move aligns with Bosch’s strategy to expand its unit that manufactures large home appliances. If successful, the acquisition could reshape the landscape of the industry and potentially impact Benton Harbor, where Whirlpool’s headquarters are located.
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