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 '06, the annual turnover of the
company for its Indian enterprise was Rs.1,375 Crores. According to IMRB
surveys Whirlpool enjoys the status of the single largest refrigerator and
second largest washing machine brand in India.
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.
|