An Assistent especially designed for the North American market is launched called Assistent DLX 9000 Magic Mill. Outdoor products extends its range by acquiring the US company Allegretti & Co. which manufactures products such as battery-driven garden tools.
The Hungarian major appliances company Lehel with 5,000 employees is acquired. The Group’s new refrigerators and freezers consume half the energy of conventional units. Hans Werthén resigns as Chairman of the Board and is replaced by Anders Scharp. Leif Johansson is appointed as the new CEO.
The Group publishes its first environmental policy.
Electrolux buys 10% of AEG’s household appliances division. A new washing machine factory in Porcia, Italy is inaugurated.
Robotic vacuum cleaners from the US company Kent, for use in hospitals, airports, etc., are introduced to the US market.
Electrolux is the first company to launch totally CFC-free refrigerators, freezers and combination cabinets. Gotthard Nilson succeeds in completely recycling a refrigerator in a closed system.
AEG Hausgeräte becomes a wholly owned company of Electrolux. The first silent dishwasher is launched from AEG. Group sales exceed SEK 100 billion.
Electrolux celebrates its 75th anniversary. For the first time, a special chapter on environmental activities is published in the annual report. Electrolux sells its shares in Autoliv through a public offering and the shares are listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange.
Electrolux strengthens its position on the South American market by acquiring the second-largest major appliances manufacturer in Brazil, Refripar, which later becomes Electrolux do Brasil. The first induction cooktop is launched under the AEG brand.
Michael Treschow is appointed President and CEO. A two-year restructuring program begins including divestment of the industrial products sector, sewing machines, agricultural implements and interior decoration equipment. The shares in Gränges are distributed to the Electrolux shareholders.
The world’s first robotic vacuum cleaner Trilobite is presented for the first time on the BBC TV show Tomorrow’s World.
The Group continues restructuring, with divestment of operations in recycling, kitchen and bathroom cabinets, professional cleaning equipment and heavy-duty laundry equipment.
A new brand policy is adopted to focus resources on a smaller number of large and well-defined brands.
The restructuring program from 1997 is completed. It involved personnel cutbacks totalling about 11,000 and the shutdown of 23 plants and 50 warehouses. Streamlining continues with the divestment of operations in vending machines, the direct sales operation and professional refrigeration equipment.
The Group’s head office moves from Lilla Essingen in Stockholm, where it has been located for more than 30 years, to larger premises in Stadshagen, in the same city. Electrolux forms a jointly owned company with Ericsson that develops products and services for the networked home.
Electrolux presents “Screenfridge”, a concept for an intelligent refrigerator. It features a number of functions that are completely new for a refrigerator, including suggesting recipes, enabling shopping on the Internet, and serving as a family communication center with e-mail or video messaging.
