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LG Designer Washing Machine
Earlier this year LG came out with their new Direct Drive Steam Washing Machine. Now they have tweeked it with a new limited edition. Inspired by UK’s Designers Guild, the washer now comes in four new print designs.
The limited edition Steam Direct Drive comes in: Cloisonne – striking dark flowers on a black background, Imperial Flower – a regal red floral design on white, the light green on white airy floral Sevilla and a modern geometric design Ribailagua. They are currently only available in the UK. However, if the demand is there I can see this idea appearing in North America as well. i.e. Martha Stewart “It’s a good thing” limited edition? -
Whirlpool purchase of Maytag
A few general/global comments on the purchase of Maytag by Whirlpool Corp.
Whirlpool purchasing Maytag is great news for Whirlpool Corp. shareholders. What better way is there to beat out your competition than to buy them out? But how will this affect consumers? Competition drives research, keeps prices under control and provides options for consumers to choose when a manufacturer does a disservice to its customers. The positives found in competition have been eliminated by this merger. Jobs are being eliminated in the US and Whirlpool is now manufacturing product in Mexico (read cheap labour.)
However, as we step further into the door of the global economy, these types of mergers will become more commonplace. It is the only way that North America can compete with the China’s and Taiwan’s of the world. Jobs will be moved to 3rd world nations where labour is cheap, product will increasingly become disposable and in the end consumers will be left holding the tab. The only way this slide could be stopped would be to stop the importation of foreign product into North America – we know that is not going to happen. So workers in oppressive nations will be exploited, the rich will get richer and shareowners in companies like Whirlpool Corp. will be happy.
Cinical? I suppose, but in terms global competition the merger is necessary and is a good acquisition for Whirlpool Corp.
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Post Number One
Welcome to post number one. What I hope to do here is post the happenings of the Appliance industry along with whatever thoughts and comments pop into my mind. I urge anyone reading these posts to make comments on anything you read here (agree or disagree.) If you hear of something that you think the rest of the world should know about or if you would like a soapbox to editorialize on something appliance related please drop me a line at neighbour@neighboursappliance.com. Thanks – and have fun reading.
