Category Archives: Products

Appliances

G.E. Selling Appliance Division to Electrolux?

Word’s been out for a week or so now that GE is planing on selling it’s appliance division for somewhere in the vicinity of 4-6 Billion dollars.

Yesterday the CEO of GE named a few potential buyers including LG, Haier, Electrolux and others. My feeling is that Electrolux is probably the strongest contender. Especially since they are laying off more than 750 employees in their Italy plant and moving to a new location in order to cut about 34 Million dollars in expenses.

With their new line of Electrolux appliances in the States making a small dent in sales, Electrolux has had a lot of changes during the past year or so. Will they benefit from a purchase of this size? Maybe. They are already the low-price leader in stainless goods and I’m sure the GE name can give them an even bigger boost to their bottom line. Even if the purchase only includes the GE name for about 5 years.

I’m sure we’ll see what happens during the next few weeks.

Appliances

G.E. Looks to Sell Its Appliances Unit

According to several sources…

General Electric is planning to sell its appliances division, one of the longest-running businesses in the conglomerate’s 120-year history, a person briefed on the matter said Wednesday.

A sale of the unit could fetch at least $5 billion, this person said. G.E. has hired Goldman Sachs to run the auction. Among the potential bidders are Haier of China, Bosch of Germany and LG of South Korea.

The announcement comes as G.E.’s chief executive, Jeffrey Immelt, tries to fix the troubled conglomerate, which has been hit unexpectedly hard by the credit market’s decline and the slumping economy.

Last month, G.E. reported first-quarter earnings that wildly missed analysts’ estimates and its own projections. The stunning announcement, made more notable by G.E.’s status as a bellwether of the economy, shook Wall Street’s confidence. The company’s shares fell 13 percent that day, its biggest one-day loss in two decades.

The picture Mr. Immelt is painting of the economy augured pessimism for consumer businesses like appliances as well. ‘’We are in the toughest economy since 2001 and the worst housing crisis since the Depression,’’ he told shareholders last month.

Since then, Mr. Immelt has vowed to cut $3 billion in costs at the company.

Though the appliance business comprises a small portion of G.E.’s $173 billion in annual revenue, divorcing it from the company would carry great historical import. Since it began selling appliances in 1907, the division has grown to more than $7 billion in annual revenue as it sells a wide range of products, including refrigerators, microwaves and dishwashers. Among the appliances it has introduced are the room air-conditioner (1930), the combined washer-dryer unit (1954) and the toaster oven (1956).

Yet despite its huge agglomeration of businesses, G.E. has sought to slim down recently, cutting loose even those units that hold sentimental value for the company. Last year, it sold its plastics business – where both Mr. Immelt and his predecessor, John F. Welch Jr., worked early in their careers – to Sabic, the big Saudi Arabian industrials company, for $11.6 billion.

Dishwashers

Maytag Introduces Steam Option Dishwasher

Maytag introduced a new dishwasher with a SteamClean option that adds 24 minutes to the end of the wash cycle.

During this time, dishes and glassware are inundated with high-temperature steam, which loosens soils.

The SteamClean option ends with a 154-degree Fahrenheit rinse, which whisks away any remaining soils.

Other features include a Jetclean II Power Module, which features active spray jets, and DuraGuard Nylon Racks, which protect dishes and glassware from scratches and damage while resisting rust.

The dishwasher is also EnergyStar qualified, using less water and energy for lower utility bills. It’s available for $599.

Products

Bosch Establishes the Industry Standard as the ”Green” Home Appliance Leader

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Bosch Establishes the Industry Standard as the ”Green” Home Appliance Leader

Bosch Continuously Delivers on its Green Commitment Through its Product Development, Manufacturing and Industry Partnerships

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–If the more than eight million U.S. consumers who purchased a new dishwasher in 2007 bought a Bosch 800 Series model, instead of a conventional unit, the lifetime energy savings would be equivalent to preventing 21 billion pounds of carbon dioxide emissions (according to the Department of Energy). This could save a forest twice the size of Sequoia National Park in Southern Sierra Nevada – which is more than 400,000 acres. A staggering statistic such as this clearly demonstrates Bosch’s longstanding commitment to the environment and how its full-suite product portfolio delivers complete ECO solutions that families can rely on. In fact, the brand is the only U.S. manufacturer whose entire lineup of major appliances is ENERGY STAR® qualified, in the categories that the program rates.

“From its global low-impact manufacturing approach, to the key partnerships it has formed with sustainable construction and design leaders, Bosch is the undisputed green appliance leader with the most efficient machines on the market,” said Franz J. Bosshard, president and CEO. “Our green stewardship is a global consciousness, as we have a worldwide integrated management system that maintains the highest standards for environmental responsibility wherever our operations take us.”

Bosch has taken significant steps to reduce the eco-footprint of its manufacturing with state-of-the art production plants. In fact, it is the first manufacturer in the world to discontinue the use of CFCs in the production of refrigerators. The brand typically manufactures where its markets are, to keep products closer to customers and reduce transportation created emissions. All its factories, including its appliance park in New Bern, NC, has received the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14001 certification, a worldwide certification that requires a company to meet strict international standards that minimize harmful effects on the environment caused by production. Moreover, the brand relies on reusable and recyclable materials while recycling all of its wood, glass, cardboard and paper. Bosch even requires its preferred suppliers to adhere to environmental policies similar to its own.

Furthermore, Bosch has established key partnerships with sustainable construction and design leaders to further cultivate green thought, including the U.S. Green Building Council/LEED® for Homes certification program and the National Association of Home Builders. Bosch appliances have been selected for multiple sustainable design projects including LivingHomes®, the first residential project in the country to achieve the Platinum rating from the LEED for Homes rating system. Additionally, Bosch has developed a unique online Green Resource Center, an award-winning microsite highlighting the brand’s green appliances and informational tools. Through the recently expanded site, consumers can learn about money saving rebates, as well as use the Energy Savings Calculator to figure out the financial advantage of purchasing and using a Bosch appliance throughout its operational lifetime. Builders and designers can access a tool that can be applied to their current projects and guide them through national and/or regional Green Building Certifications.

Bosch home appliances is continuously recognized for its contributions to energy resource conservation and is the proud two-time recipient of the Department of Energy’s prestigious 2007 and 2008 Excellence in ENERGY STAR Promotion Award, as well as the 2007 Annual Flex Your Power Award.

“Partners like Bosch are valued leaders in energy efficiency,” said Alexander Karsner, Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy at the Department of Energy. “Bosch’s long-term commitment to energy efficiency is good for business, the environment, consumers, and for the country as a whole.”

Bosch Dishwashers

Ranked highest in customer satisfaction for the second consecutive year by J.D. Power and Associates (in the dishwasher category in the 2007 Major Home Appliance Study), Bosch’s Evolution™ and Integra® dishwashers feature the quietest and most energy efficient models in the country: the Evolution SHE98 and Integra SHX98. Both models exceed the minimum federal energy standard by 147%, with a yearly usage of only 190 kWh – approximately the same amount of energy as a dishwasher half their size. Bosch dishwashers use as little as 1.8 gallons of water per cycle while guaranteeing an ideal wash, and offer exclusive programs such as ECOACTION™, which takes efficiency to the next level by reducing energy consumption by up to 25%, with just the simple push of a button. Every Bosch Dishwasher model is ENERGY STAR qualified.

Front-Loading Laundry

Already exceeding the strict 2011 ENERGY STAR standards, Bosch’s 27” depth and quiet front-loading Nexxt® Laundry makes it easier than ever to achieve maximum energy savings. Simply push the green-colored “e” button, on select 500plus and 800 Series washers, to take advantage of the advanced ECOACTION feature, which decreases the temperature and amount of energy used during the wash cycle by up to 20%, without affecting cleaning results. ECOACTION is now also available on select Nexxt dryers, boosting energy savings up to 10% by optimizing the heat cycle. Bosch also offers its 24” compact and stackable Axxis® Laundry with the largest washer capacity in its class at 3.4 cubic feet, which can tackle up to 14 pair of jeans. This powerhouse in an efficient package is perfect for high rises or homes looking to save much-needed space as well as energy, water and money. All Nexxt and Axxis washer models are ENERGY STAR qualified.

Integra Refrigeration

ENERGY STAR-qualified Integra is one of the quietest refrigeration systems on the market and exceeds the stringent 2008 federal standards for energy efficiency. The refrigerator is typically the kitchen appliance that uses the most amount of energy, but Bosch overcomes this dilemma with its lineup of refrigerator, freezer and wine units that offer total capacity flexibility, while providing optimized food preservation and easy installation. Eco-friendly features include the Sabbath Mode, during which the unit uses no energy for religious observances, Economy Mode, which adjusts the temperature for extra efficiency, and Vacation Mode, which adjusts the temperature and disables water and lighting for more energy efficiency while being away for a prolonged period of time.

About Bosch

Bosch home appliances is part of BSH Home Appliances Corporation, a fully-owned subsidiary of BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH, the third largest home appliance manufacturer in the world. Inspired by the lifestyle of today’s discerning consumers, all Bosch products combine superior performance and excellent quality with unrivaled ease-of-use. Opened in 1997, the company’s appliance park in New Bern, North Carolina is comprised of state-of-the-art factories for washers, dryers, dishwashers, ranges, ovens and cooktops. The leader in environmentally friendly home appliances, Bosch manufactures products that regularly receive industry and consumer awards and its dishwashers are consistently top-ranked by leading consumer magazines. For more information, please visit www.boschappliances.com or call 800.921.9622 to request a catalog. Nexxt, Integra and Axxis are registered trademarks of BSH Home Appliances Corporation. ECOACTION and Evolution are trademarks of BSH Home Appliances Corporation.

Air Conditioners

US HVAC Equipment Demand to Reach $16.8 Billion in 2011

Demand in the US for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment is forecast to increase 3.2 percent per year to $16.8 billion in 2011. Advances will be primarily driven by strong gains in new nonresidential construction, along with ongoing growth in the residential replacement market. Although gains will be restrained by declines in new single unit housing completions between 2006 and 2011, nearly three-quarters of HVAC demand is attributable to replacements. These and other trends, including company profiles and market share are presented in “HVAC Equipment,” a new study from The Freedonia Group, Inc., a Cleveland-based industry market research firm.

In 2006, heat pumps surpassed warm air furnaces to account for the largest share of heating equipment demand and will account for 47 percent in 2011. Heat pumps are expected to post the strongest gains through 2011. Heat pump demand benefits from the ability of these units to provide efficient heating and cooling in moderate climates and to serve as a low cost supplementary heat source in colder climates. While warm air furnaces will continue to account for the second largest share of heating equipment sales through 2011, this segment is expected to lose market share over the period. Sales will be supported by their relatively low initial cost.

Unitary air conditioners will remain the largest segment in the cooling equipment industry, accounting for more than 70 percent of total demand in 2011. Absorptive liquid chilling systems are expected to post the strongest gains through 2011 as industrial and commercial construction rebounds over the forecast period. Packaged terminal air conditioner sales will achieve above average gains because of a rebound in lodging construction expenditures. Room air conditioners will also post above average sales as quieter and more efficient units become available.

Appliances

World Household Cooking Appliances Market to Reach 182.1 Million Units by 2012

According to a new report issued by Global Industry Analyst, the world household cooking appliances market is projected to reach 182.1 million units by the year 2012.

Due to a rise in residential construction, kitchen remodeling & refurbishment activities are expected to drive growth in the global market. Developing countries are forecast to offer opportunities on a platter, given the strong economic growth, and proportionate rise in consumer purchasing power in these countries.

Appliances

New Electrolux Line Coming to North Hollywood!

Electrolux Premium Appliances have been used in fine European homes for over 70 years. Now Electrolux is bringing that same level of uncompromising quality to the United States.

This is the first time a manufacturer launched an entire new line of kitchen appliances at one time!

The Electrolux line has features many don’t:

Ovens and ranges feature glide-out racks with a unique ball-bearing system that extend effortlessly, making it simple to remove scolding pots and pans.

Electrolux ovens, stoves and refrigerators offer two control-panel options: The IQ-Touch control, which lets you see your cooking options all times, or the Wave-Touch control option, which activates the panel with a single touch. Cool, don’t you think?

With all said, I think Electrolux will take the United States by storm! They’ve already had great success with their Frigidaire brand of appliances and the Electrolux Icon line (launched a few years back).

With all of their innovative features, from their spacious ovens to their electric induction cooktops, and convenient up-front controls on free-standing ranges, Electrolux will be a refreshing change to the appliance industry combining excellent products with great price-points. Oh, I almost forgot to mention their luxury line of refrigerators, standard or counter-depth (with the most shelf-space of any cabinet-depth on the market by the way!), with ramp-up lighting and elevator shelves to boot! Electrolux appliances are here and they’re here to stay!

You can see them on display at Feder’s Distributors, in North Hollywood, California!

Window & Wall Air Conditioners w/ Heat

Exclusive UnionAire 9,000 BTU 115V Heat Pump

Feder’s Distributors proudly introduces the exclusive distributorship of UnionAire’s 9,000 BTU, 115 volt heat pump in Southern California.

UnionAire is a full service heating and air conditioning company that was established in 1985.

Unionaire currently manufactures approximately 2 million air conditioner units per year and exports to more than 70 countries worldwide.

The company is committed to professional, affordable and personal service.

Appliances

Whirlpool Files Patent Infringement Action against LG with International Trade Commission

Whirlpool Corp. filed a patent infringement action against LG Electronics, Inc., of South Korea, and its U.S. and Mexican affiliates.

The action, filed with the ITC in Washington, DC, states that several LG-manufactured refrigerator products imported into the U.S. infringe on five Whirlpool patents. Whirlpool is asking the ITC to issue an order to stop LG from selling and importing products into the U.S. that infringe on its patents. Whirlpool believes that such an order would affect the majority of the refrigerators sold in the U.S. by LG.

The patents protect proprietary technologies associated with the fastest growing segments in refrigeration — French Door Bottom Mount, Bottom (freezer) Mount, and select Side-by-side refrigerators — Whirlpool products that deliver innovative features consumers want:

  • Reliable external ice and water dispensing through the door
  • Freezer drawer support structure that allows easy organization and compartment access

“Whirlpool invests heavily in developing innovative technologies for all of our businesses — including refrigeration — that help differentiate our products and bring meaningful benefits to consumers,” said Phil Pejovich, vice president, Refrigeration, Whirlpool North America Region (NAR). “To protect these investments, we will vigorously defend our valuable assets from competitors who disregard U.S. law.”