Whirlpool 2006 Annual Report Download - page 24

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2121
ASIA OPERATING REVIEW
Whirlpool Asia delivered revenues of $457 million in 2006, up
8 percent from the year before. The successful execution of
our strategy improved our performance in India, China,
Hong Kong, Taiwan and throughout Southeast Asia.
We reclaimed the leadership position in the key direct
cool refrigeration segment in India this year by continually
delivering innovative products – such as pedestals for non-
perishable foods, LED lighting and improved cooling retention.
We also continued to solidify our position in China. In the
first quarter we launched a top-load washing machine with
new aesthetics, which supported the brand and category
positioning, and further enhanced our product portfolio in the
highly competitive Chinese appliance business. In Australia,
we launched 40 new cooking and dishwasher products,
significantly improving our presence in these categories and
further enhancing our innovative image in that country.
In 2006, we also launched our first-ever pan-Asia product
– a new Whirlpool brand horizontal axis washer. Driven by
consumer insights, the washer’s features include increased
capacity, improved energy efficiency, and an intelligent system
that cleans and cares for consumers’ washing needs.
Our ability to meet the demand for continual innovative
product development increased this year with the expansion
of our technology center in Shenzhen, China. Whirlpool Asia
now has the capabilities to achieve increased innovation and
synergies across microwave, food-preparation, air-treatment
and other product groups.
Finally, we saw significant growth in the amount of business
conducted with key trade customers in China and India.
Our focus is to foster long-term relationships with all of our
trade customers by developing new strategies that allow
us to better align with them and further improve both of
our businesses. For example, we are providing account
management tools, new to the Asia market, and beginning to
prepare joint business plans with key trade customers.
OUTLOOK: In 2007, Whirlpool Asia looks to a year of
continued strong revenue growth. We expect strong growth in
our domestic business, fueled by our new products. We will
leverage our cost and quality position in our export business.
We also anticipate profit improvement in 2007, resulting from
our improved management of product mix and margins.
Australian Cooking and Dishwasher
Whirlpool Australia launched
40 new cooking and dishwashing
products.
Fusion Direct Cool Refrigerator
Whirlpool India refrigerator with 6th
Sense “frost control” provides more
than 17 hours of cooling retention
during power outages, compared
to other refrigerators that offer
only six hours.
Mark Hu
Executive Vice President
and President
Whirlpool Asia