BENTON HARBOR, Mich., & GREENMOUNT, Auckland–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Aug. 11, 2003–Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE:WHR) and Fisher & Paykel Appliances today announced the formation of a global strategic alliance involving the two major home appliance manufacturers.
The scope of the alliance involves a wide range of cooperative activities between the two companies. Initially, the alliance will focus on global sourcing of major home appliances, as well as the sharing and co-development of product technology.
“This global alliance will provide significant growth opportunities for both Whirlpool and Fisher & Paykel,” said Jeff Fettig, Whirlpool’s president and chief operating officer. “The relationship gives each of us access to a broader set of innovative technologies and products that we can bring to customers in markets worldwide.”
“Whirlpool Corporation provides us greater access to important global markets through its extensive global distribution system,” added John Bongard, managing director of Fisher & Paykel Appliances. “Whirlpool also offers us the benefits of scale and the strength of its global technology development organisation. By combining our talents we can develop commercial and product ideas that will benefit both companies and add value for all our stakeholders.”
Fisher & Paykel Appliances is a New Zealand-based international company that manufactures and markets major appliances for laundry, cooking, refrigeration and dishwashing. The company’s primary markets are in New Zealand and Australia. The company also exports home appliances around the world, with a focus on Europe and the United States. Additional information about the company can be found on the Internet at www.fisherpaykel.com
Whirlpool Corporation is the world’s leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of over $11 billion (U.S.), 68,000 employees, and nearly 50 manufacturing and technology research centers around the globe. The company markets Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Brastemp, Bauknecht, Consul and other major brand names to consumers in more than 170 countries. Additional information about the company can be found on the Internet at www.whirlpoolcorp.com