History
Innovation will always be the driving force at Electrolux. The company’s founder, Axel Wenner-Gren, was a visionary who developed products for the future. He underlined Passion for Innovation, Customer Obsession, and Drive for Results, and these comprise the core values of Electrolux operations.
The founder of Electrolux, Axel WennerGren, was a visionary who understood how to develop products for the future. He underlined Passion for Innovation, Customer Obsession, and Drive for Results, and these comprise the core values of Electrolux operations.
Passion for Innovation “This task is not an easy one, but one that will transform homes around the world.” Next to Wenner-Gren and his team was a basic prototype of an absorption refrigerator created by two young engineers, Baltzar von Platen and Carl Munters. Wenner-Gren believed that absorption refrigeration technology, creating cold through heat using water, had immense potential but needed to be developed further. “But the problem is that not all households have running water but every home from China to America will need a refrigeration machine.” Wenner-Gren paused, and looked at each member of the team. “That is why we are going to cool with air, because we all have access to that.” In 2013, Electrolux launched new refrigerators featuring the best professional technology to create optimal air humidity and preserve fresh food for longer.
Importance of Design The atmosphere in the showroom was different. The crowd was still and gathered around the latest addition to the Electrolux collection: the Modell xxx vacuum cleaner. The model shaped by the internationally renowned industrial designer Lurelle Guild, was one of the first vacuum cleaners in history to be created with aesthetic appeal in mind. As cars and trains had become streamlined, Wenner-Gren saw the value in bringing a similar sleek elegance to home appliances. In fact, he had personally tracked down the foremost industrial designers, so that life for Electrolux customers would not only be cleaner and easier, but also more attractive. Looking at the Modell xxx vacuum cleaner, Wenner-Gren said to Guild:
“You have given Electrolux products attractive design and perfect form.”
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| 1901 | 1912 | 1919 | 1928 | 1957 | 1984 | 1986 | 1994 | 2001 | 2011 |
| AB Lux was founded. | AB Electrolux was formed following the merger of AB Lux and Elektromagnetiska AB. Electrolux leads development of the modern, canister vacuum cleaner and the absorption refrigerator. | Cooperation between AB Lux and Axel Wenner-Gren begins. The Lux I vacuum cleaner is launched. | Electrolux is listed on the London Stock Exchange and on the Stockholm Stock Exchange in 1930. | The spelling of the Group’s name is changed throughout the world from Elektrolux to Electrolux. | Italian appliance manufacturer Zanussi is acquired, making Electrolux the leader in household appliances for consumers and professionals. | Electrolux acquires the third largest appliance company in the US, White Consolidated, with brands such as Frigidaire, Kelvinator and Westinghouse. | Appliance manufacturer AEG is acquired. | The household appliance division of Australian company Email is acquired. | Appliance manufacturers Olympic Group in Egypt, and CTI in Chile, are acquired. The share of the Group’s sales in growth markets increases rapidly. |
CEO Statement
In 2013 we continued to deliver above our growth target and delivered 4.5% in organic sales growth.
CEO Statement
I'm convinced that raising product efficiency for the growing middle class is where long-term shareholder value creation lies.
Our products
Electrolux is the only appliance manufacturer in the industry to offer complete solutions for both consumers and professionals. The focus is on innovative and energy-efficient products in the premium segments.
Sustainability
Achieving the Group's vision of sustainability leadership is crucial to realizing the business strategy. The objective is to develop smarter, more accessible, resource-efficient solutions that meet people's needs and improve their lives. Read the comprehensive sustainability performance review.
Awards & recognition
Financial Reporting
Net sales for the Electrolux Group in 2013 amounted to SEK 109,151m, as against SEK 109,994m in the previous year. The organic sales growth was 4.5%, while currencies had an impact of -5.3%.
