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Whirlpool, right from its inception in 1911 as first commercial manufacturer of
motorized washers to the current market position of being world's number one manufacturer
and marketer of major home appliances, has always set industry milestones and benchmarks.
The parent company is headquartered at Benton Harbor, Michigan, USA with a global
presence in over 170 countries and manufacturing operation in 13 countries with
11 major brand names such as Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Roper, Estate, Bauknecht, Laden
and Ignis. The company boasts of resources and capabilities beyond achievable feat
of any other in the industry.
Whirlpool initiated its international expansion in 1958 by entering Brazil. However,
it emerged as truly global leader in the1980's. This encouraging trend brought the
company to India in the late 1980s. It forayed into the market under a joint venture
with TVS group and established the first Whirlpool manufacturing facility in Pondicherry.
Soon Whirlpool acquired Kelvinator India Limited in 1995 and marked an entry into
Indian refrigerator market as well. The same year also saw acquisition of major
share in TVS joint venture and later in 1996, Kelvinator and TVS acquisitions were
merged to create Indian home appliance leader of the future, Whirlpool India. This
expanded the company's portfolio in the Indian subcontinent to washing machines,
refrigerator, microwave ovens and air conditioners.
Today, Whirlpool is the most recognized brand in home appliances in India and holds
a market share of over 25%. The company owns three state-of-the-art manufacturing
facilities at Faridabad, Pondicherry and Pune. Each of these manufacturing set-ups
features an infrastructure that is witness of Whirlpool's commitment to consumer
interests and advanced technology.
In the year ending in March '09, the annual turnover of the company for its Indian
enterprise was Rs.1,719 Crores.
The company's brand and image speaks of its commitment to the
homemaker from every aspect of its functioning. It has derived its functioning principles
out of an undaunted partnership with the homemakers and thus a slogan of “You and
whirlpool, the world's best homemaker” dots its promotional campaigns. The products
are engineered to suit the requirements of ‘smart, confident and in-control' homemaker
who knows what she wants. The product range is designed in a way that it employs
unique technology and offers consumer relevant solutions.
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