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

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

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

Whirlpool Tours 50 Cities This Year

Last month, Whirlpool launched its second annual Great American Road Trip. This 50 City tour will provide thousands of sales associates with the latest in product training on appliances from Whirlpool, Maytag, and KitchenAid.  During each session, one person will win a new Whirlpool microwave and all in attendance will be entered to win the grand prize of a Maytag Laundry Pair or High Performance Kitchen Suite.  The tour will wrap up November 11, 2011, Whirlpool’s 100^th anniversary.

Source: Appliance Service News, November 2011 Issue

Tags: KitchenAid, maytag, Whirlpool

Jack Truong new leader at Electrolux Major Appliances North America

Jack Truong has been named the new president/CEP of Electrolux Major Appliances North America and the Executive Vice President of AB Electrolux. On August 1, 2011 Jack succeeded Kevin Scott, who left the company after 8 years of service.  Kevin McLoughlin, Electrolux president/CEO, says “At 3M [Jack Truong] demonstrated the ability to accelerate growth by applying new technologies and marketing. His experience and track record will be crucial in helping to ensure our long term growth, high impact new products and cost efficiency.”

Source: Appliance Service News, October 2011 Issue

Tags: electrolux

Whirlpool downsizing Authorized Service Network

Whirlpool Corporation is decreasing the size of its national network of authorized service firms. The company is currently reviewing the existing network to evaluate its level of productivity. Several of the companies firms have received termination letters. Whirlpool claims the downsizing was made for two reasons. Firstly, Whirlpool acquired Maytag, merging the two companies into a single corporation. Secondly, Whirlpool says that the quality enhancement in its appliances have reduced the number of warranty claims.

Source: Marcone World Magazine September 2011 Issue

Tags: authorized service, maytag, Whirlpool

Taking on Apprentices Benefits Buisnesses

Apprenticeship training is beneficial for the companies that take them on. For every dollar invested into an apprentice’s training, the company receives $1.47. Apprentices can make your organization more effective, productive and competitive. Taking on apprentices can improve overall productivity and build sustainability in you workforce.

Supporting an employee during their apprenticeship training allows a company to help an individual build their career. After an apprentice completes their training, they become certified journey-persons. Journey-persons can then mentor new apprentices.

Source: Marcone World Magazine, September 2011 Issue

Tags: apprentice, journeyman, training

Missouri Passes New Regulations on Extended Warranties

Missouri has enacted new regulations on the sale and promotion of extended warranty and service contracts throughout the state. The law is in reaction to the rising number of extended warranty complaints.  The law prevents deceptive marketing of extended warranty programs. Consumers are now required to receive a copy of the terms and conditions of a contract prior to a sale of any extended warranties. Consumers will now also have the right to a refund if they cancel a service contract.

Source: Appliance Service News, September 2011 Issue

Tags: extended warranty, service contract

Creditors reject Electrolux bid for Bankrupt Daewoo

Creditors of Korean appliance manufacturer Daewoo have reportedly refused an offer from Sweden’s AB Electrolux to purchase the bankrupt company. Reportedly, Electrolux offered the creditors 5% less than the original bid in 2010. Three previous contracts to purchase Daewoo have fallen through, due to lack of financing on the buyer’s end.  Daewoo’s creditors may reopen the bidding process to all interested firms.

Source: Appliance Service News, September 1, 2011

Tags: daewoo, electrolux

Theft of Copper from Air Conditioners on the Rise

With the dwindling economy, reports of crooks stealing copper from outdoor condenser components, and entire wall and window ac units, are again on the rise. The copper from the condensers can be exchanged for $30 to $60 at scrap yards. For home owners, the theft can cost up to $3,000 to get the central air unit back into working condition. In some cases, thieves damage the condensing units without reward. Many newer units use aluminum instead of copper tubing.

In June, South Carolina reacted to the growing crime reports by enacting a law to enforce severe penalties on copper thieves and scrap dealers who knowingly buy the stolen copper. Furthermore, scrap dealers who purchase any copper must only pay by check. This makes tracing stolen copper back to the thieves easier.

Tom Mutz of Monchief Heating and Air Conditioning in Atlanta, had advice for potential victims to help deter copper strippers.  

1. Add motion detector lights around air conditioning units.
2. Consider marking copper coils with an identifying mark.
3. Install chain link box around outdoor condensing units.
4. Purchase a pressure gauge for AC system to detect if wires have been cut.

Source: Appliance Service News, September 2011 Issue

 

 

Tags: air conditioning, central air condenser, copper theft