Electrolux 2011 Annual Report Download - page 18

Laundry products
Washing machines and tumble-dryers are a global product category with major growth potential,
particularly due to increased water shortages around the world. Electrolux is working to produce
high-performance water and energy-efcient solutions for both households and professional users.
17%
2%
Consumer durables
Professional laundry equipment
Electrolux holds a strong global position in
washing machines and tumble-dryers and
is a leading producer of energy- and water-
efficient products. The largest global mar-
ket share is in front-load washing machines,
where the Group is a leading producer and
thus benefits from strong growth in the seg-
ment.
Laundry products are sold in Europe
under the Electrolux, AEG and Zanussi
brands. In North America, the Frigidaire
brand is used in the mass-market seg-
ments. In Asia and Latin America, products
are mainly sold under the Electrolux brand.
In professional laundry equipment,
approximately 65% of sales are generated
in Europe where a particularly strong posi-
tion has been achieved in hospitals and
commercial laundries. In just one year, pro-
fessional washing machines from Electrolux
are used to wash about 18 million tons of
clothing, linen and similar items. In the US,
about half of the Group’s professional laun-
dry equipment is sold under the Wascomat
brand via a distributor. Professional laundry
products are only sold under the Electrolux
brand in the rest of the world.
Better performance
and greater flexibility
Today’s consumers and professional users
are generally satisfied with the results of
washing machines and tumble-dryers, but
they would like to see appliances that are
faster, quieter and more energy-efficient,
and that make laundry handling more
efficient. They also want machines that are
simple and intuitive to use. Since most
washing machines and tumble-dryers usu-
ally run with half loads, technology must be
able to adapt programs and energy con-
sumption to the load. For professional
users, Electrolux sells premium laundry
solutions for different segments such as
laundry rooms in apartment buildings,
hotels and hospitals. All solutions provide
the latest features for excellent laundry
results, energy-savings and profitability,
such as Automatic Weighing System, which
weighs the wash load in each cycle and
then uses the correct amount of water.
Drawing from the Group's professional
knowledge, Electrolux has developed the
corresponding technology for the con-
sumer market. The Eco-valve technology
adapts the wash program and electricity
and water consumption to the load.
Innovative and efficient
consumer durables
Just as for professional users, Electrolux has
developed combined washing mach ines and
tumble-dryers for consumers. These can
wash and dry up to 6 kg of washing succes-
sively. Electrolux has also developed Steam
System and Cool Clean functions. Steam
System is a new method for garment care. A
steam function freshens delicate garments
Operating costs represent a major
portion of the life-cycle costs for profes-
sional laundry products. Irrespective of
the application, buyers are demanding
innovations that lead to lower costs by
reducing the consumption of energy,
water and laundry detergent without
compromising on washing and rinsing
results. There is also a need for solutions
that are ergonomic and reduce the risk of
spreading infection via dirty textiles.
Electrolux barrier-washing machines
facilitate this work. Dirty washing is
placed in the machine in one room and
the clean washing is taken out through a
hatch in another room. The two functions
are separated to reduce the risk of bacte-
ria spreading.
The new Line 5000 tumble-dryers
were successfully launched in 2011.
These machines have 30% shorter drying
time, consume 20% less energy and have
20% higher drying capacity compared
with earlier generation tumble-dryers.
Electrolux washing machines in laun-
dromats in Europe and the US can be
equipped with a service that sends a text
message to customers when their wash-
ing is nearly done.
High demands
from professional
users
annual report 2011 products
Share of Group sales 2011
14