Electrolux announced it will relocate its North American laundry products research and development center to Charlotte, North Carolina from Webster City, Iowa. The move signals a commitment to further product innovation in its fabric care business and builds on the design, testing and marketing capabilities that already exist in its Charlotte-based North American headquarters.
“Electrolux is driving a strong pace of new product innovation to continually create consumer value,” said Chris Harris, vice president of Laundry and Dish Care Products, Electrolux Major Appliances North America. “We are increasing our R&D investment, moving closer to major science, engineering and technology universities and leveraging on the state-of-the-art research facilities that we already have in Charlotte.”
Electrolux will bring 80 research and development jobs to the city, growing its local employment to more than 800. The new positions will include engineering, product design and testing. Despite challenges in the economy, the company continues to outperform the US home appliance industry.
Product design and testing will be discontinued at the company’s Webster City, Iowa facility in the third quarter of 2013.
“This was a difficult but necessary decision,” Harris added. “The company is committed to assisting our Webster City employees and we are making this announcement nearly a year in advance to help with the transition.”
Electrolux R&D Centers and Capabilities in North America
· Charlotte, NC --
- R&D for laundry products built in North America (opening in 2013)
- R&D for electronic systems of all major appliances built in North America
- Product design for all major and small appliances built in North America
- R&D for vacuum products built globally
· Kinston, NC – R&D for dish care products built in North America
· Anderson, SC – R&D for refrigeration and freezer products built in North America
· Memphis (opening in 2013) and Springfield, TN – R&D for cooking products built in North America
About Electrolux
Electrolux is a global leader in household appliances and appliances for professional use, selling t than 40 million products to customers in more than 150 markets every year. The company focuses on innovative solutions that are thoughtfully designed, based on extensive consumer insight, to meet the real needs of consumers and professionals. Electrolux products include refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, cookers, air-conditioners and small appliances such as vacuum cleaners sold under esteemed brands like Electrolux, AEG, Eureka and Frigidaire. In 2011 Electrolux had sales of SEK 102 billion and 58,000 employees. For more information go to www.electrolux.com/press and www.electrolux.com/news.