GE Launches Spanish Version of IPhone App

GE has released a Spanish-language version of their smart phone friendly appliance information site. GE launched its original English
site in November of 2010.  On the site, users can search products and locate retail stores in their area. Customers can also use the site to locate an authorized service provider. The Spanish version was launched after GE reacted to the 75 percent increase in traffic to the Spanish version of its regular product website.

Source:  Marcone World, December 2011 Issue

American Mothers Love Their Dishwashers

An online poll conducted on behalf of BSH Home Appliances, surveyed men and women ages 25 and up, asking questions about their mothers and kitchen  appliances. Results of the poll showed 50 percent of those surveyed thought their  mother’s kitchen appliance of choice would be a dishwasher, followed by 23
percent for an oven/range and 19 percent preferred a new refrigerator.  A senior product manager at Bosch sites the results  as a reflection of women wanting more time in their day. Dishwashers make women’s  lives easier and make them the clear winner.

Source: Marcone World Magazine, December 2011 Issue

Amana Workers Approve New Contract

In late September, more than 1,900 union workers at Whirlpool’s Amana division approved a new four year contract.  SourceMedia spoke with more than a dozen workers who tuned out to vote in Cedar Rapids. Most were either unenthusiastic about the deal or completely opposed to it. Under the new contract, wages would only increase $1 per hour over four years.

Source: Appliance Service News, December 2011 Issue

Tags: Amana, union, Whirlpool

Rheem and Ruud Condensing Units named Most Efficient Products

Rheem and Ruud are among the first air conditioning brands on the Energy Star Most Efficient List. Brands featured on this list must undergo an approval process from the Environmental Protection Agency.  Qualifying air conditioners must achieve efficiencies of more than 18 SEER.  The specified criteria also included a need for communications, diagnostics and automated configuration.

Source: HVAC Insider, 3^rd Quarter 2011

Tags: Rheem, Ruud

Haier Electronics Now Partially U.S. Owned

Carlyle Group, a U.S. investment firm, has purchased a 6% interest in Haier Electronics Group of China. The portion of Haier, the large appliance manufacturer, was acquired for about $10 billion. Haier plans to use the revenue from this sale to invest in logistics centers, bettering its aftermarket support operations, and continuing to develop e-commerce operations.

Source: Appliance Service News, November 2011 Issue

Tags: Haier

Dacor Announces New President

Upscale cooking appliance manufacturer Dacor announced that Steve Joseph will succeed his father, Mike Joseph, as President of the corporation. The senior Mr. Joseph will remain with the company serving as CEO. The Joseph family has owned and operated the Dacor Corporation since the company was founded in 1965.

 Steve Joseph previously held positions in Dacor’s operations and information technology departments and more recently served as the company’s national service manager. Steve’s job as President will be to oversee sales, marketing, and operations.

Source: Appliance Service News, November 2011 Issue

Tags: Dacor

Whirlpool among Inductees to Made in the USA Hall of Fame

Appliance manufacturer Whirlpool was named into the Made in the USA Foundation’s Hall of Fame during a ceremony held in June in Santa Monica, California. Whirlpool beat out fellow nominees Viking and Sub-Zero in the Large Kitchen Appliances category. The nominated companies are evaluated on their contribution to job creation in the United States, promotion of American-made products, and labor and environmental standards.

Source: Appliance Service News, November 2011 Issue

Tags: made in USA, sub-zero, Viking, Whirlpool

Whirlpool receives several Top Ratings from Consumer Magazine

Whirlpool, the company that produces more appliances in the United States than any other appliance manufacturer, received several top ratings by consumer magazine in the refrigeration, cooking, and dishwasher categories. Whirlpool was named number 1 in the French door bottom mount, conventional bottom freezer, built-in refrigerator, and duel fuel range categories.  The company received best buy ratings with the electric smooth top and induction cooktop and over the range microwave models.

Source: Appliance Service News, November 2011 Issue

Tags: Consumer Magazine, Whirlpool

GE Joins Federal Program to Recycle Refrigerators/Freezers

General Electric Appliance and Lighting has been the first U.S. major appliance manufacturer to join a movement to direct appliances beyond repair into a recycling program. GE has taken the initiative to aid retailers in becoming involved with the Responsible Appliance Disposal program of the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The program was created to ensure responsible disposal of the foam insulation found in refrigerators and freezers. The insulation foam can break down in landfills and emit ozone-depleting substances and greenhouse gases into the atmosphere it not disposed of in the proper fashion.  GE has also decided to provide its retailer participants with in-store point-of-purchase materials, online marketing and advertising.   Unlike similar programs made mandatory in countries like Japan, the Responsible Appliance Disposal Program is voluntary.

Source: Appliance Service News, November 2011 Issue

Tags: appliance disposal, GE, recycle

JD Power Announces 2011 Appliance Consumer Satisfaction Survey Results

J.D. Power and Associates announced the results for their annual consumer satisfaction survey. The study was based on consumers who purchased major household appliances within the last 24 months. The survey showed that the number of consumers who find energy efficiency to be the top category to consider on the increase in comparison to years past. Appliances were rated in six factors: ease of use, features, performance and reliability, styling and appearance, warranty, and price.  Samsung was the big winner, ranking number one in the washer and clothes dryer categories and second in customer satisfaction with refrigerators.

Source: Appliance Service News, November 2011 Issue

Tags: Samsung