Industry News
What's going on or new in the Appliance Industry
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Whirlpool Fridge with a Built-in Computer
Computer manufacturer Data Evolutions Corp announced today that they’ve won a contract to produce computers that are to be installed in Whirlpool refrigerators. Although computer technology has been used in appliances for years, this will be a little different as this computer will be there to assist consumers with their kitchen management.
From Marketwire:
Clio Vu, pre-loaded with Cozi family organizational software, helps clear refrigerators of sticky notes, traditional notepads and calendars, while keeping grocery lists and schedules organized. Equipped with Wi- Fi, the Clio Vu can be removed easily from the centralpark connection digital hub and brought on trips to the corner coffee shop or on other errands and activities. Using touch screen, keypad or handwriting input, consumers are easily able to update their schedules and keep track of their home happenings without the clutter. Clio Vu users also have the freedom to watch movies and look up recipes and other information online while working in the kitchen.
This product should be available later in 2008.
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Whirlpool out of the ’07 KBIS?
Rumor has it that Whirlpool Corp will NOT be attending the 2007 Kitchen/Bath Industry Show in Vegas. Huh? Why not? Oh yes – they don’t need to be there – they don’t have any competition. Anti-competition laws – yep they work good!
The Appliance Advisor also speculated on some reasons why:
-The Henry Ford Defense: “As the largest appliance maker in the world, you can have any appliance you want as long as its white. The rest of you can suck lint.”
-The Alfred E. Newman Defense: Management …… not terribly bright.
-The Best Offense Defense: “We hate KBIS”
-The Alka Seltzer Defense: “I can’t believe I ate the whole Maytag, we need to cut the budget”.
Perhaps (if true) it’s a combination. -
Competition: How to kill jobs in North America
The Competition Bureau of Canada gave the following conclusion about the recent Maytag acquisition by Whirlpool.
“Although post-merger market shares were significant in the laundry segment, the Bureau’s analysis revealed that effective competition would remain from a combination of foreign competitors. These remaining competitors have the ability to expand their operations and new entry is occurring. Moreover, the growth of big box retailers and their support of offshore brand name manufacturers will continue to provide consumers with competitive choices.”
I don’t know about you, but what I read here is that it is OK to reduce competition within North America as long that there is competition from foreign companies. In other words, the jobs that used to be in North America are now jobs in foreign companies. Does this make sense – does this protect the North American economy?
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Microwave Drawer
Blogger Karen at I Am Not Left-handed shows off her new Sharp Microwave Drawer. Warning: your Pampered Chef Rice Cooker will NOT fit in this microwave.
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Silicone Bakeware
In an interesting twist (literally) on the old non-stick cookware we now have silicone bakeware. They are a unique blend of what looks and feels like plastic made to be put into the oven. However, cooking temps are limited – most limit the upper range at 428 deg F. which would be a bit low for some types of baking. The pans are flexible which allows you to peel your baked product out of the pan instead of prying it out with a knife. It also claims to eliminate the need for greasing your pan, which always ticks off the low-fat crowd. Kitchen-aid has them available at their website but there are many other lesser known brands as well. I wonder what cooking your food in a silicone tray will do to your body in the future. I mean, I hope it turns out to be safe in the long term. -
Oil Prices and Whirlpool
Last week, in the post Appliance Prices are going Up, we speculated that the rise of appliance prices was in part due to the rising oil prices. This article confirms those suspisions.
“Even with the U.S. housing market cooling, Whirlpool executives recently announced price increases in North America of 6 percent to 12 percent to cover a $150 million jump in costs. The company wouldn’t break out fuel costs for competitive reasons, but spokesman Christopher Wyse said Whirlpool had hefty transport costs and uses plastics, paint, resins, hoses and other goods derived from oil.”
I suppose that it is time for service prices to go up as well. About this time last year, I could gas my van up for 69 cents per liter. Now, I am happy to find $1.09 per liter. I usually fill the tank twice a week, which means that I am spending $80.00 more a week to do the same work. Yep, that confirms it – service prices will be going up.
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Fisher & Paykel Refrigerator
Fisher & Paykel have launched their new Active Smart ice and water dispensing refrigerators in New Zealand. They are available in both Iridium or brushed EZKleen stainless steel – two models in Designer Series flat fronted doors and two in traditional curved Icon Series door panels. Nice looking fridge – not sure if they are available in North America yet though. -
Whirlpool Expands Amana Plant
Whirlpool Corp. has announced that they plan to spend up to 11 million dollars to expand their Amana refrigeration plant. The plant produces the very popular bottom freezer units. The expenditure should create up to 400 new jobs in the Amana, Iowa area.
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Children Hurt in Washing Machines
According to information posted at the American Academy of Family Physicians web site, 19,109 washing machine injuries were reported between 1993 and 2000 in children under age 15. That’s a lot of injuries! I would suspect that many are related to falling injuries – where children are placed on a washer while a parent is loading the dryer. However, I can attest to the power of an agitator – it will break your arm if you stick it in there. The spin cycle on most top loaders runs at about 350 rpm – that too will break bones rather easily. Most washers have safety devices that stop the unit from operating during wash and spin cycles but still the danger is there.
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Appliance Prices are Going Up.
According to Reuters, appliance prices will be going up. Whirlpool/Maytag has stated that they would be raising prices 6 to 12 percent worldwide this month. Electrolux has announced a 5 percent increase and GE and announced an increase for September. I suppose this reflects the increase in oil prices.
Interesting that the closing of plants and the moving of production to Mexico has not saved consumers money. I wonder who is getting these saving?
