The Group reorganizes its production due to WWII. In Stockholm, the factory produces air filters for the Swedish defense forces. At the Motala plant, the reduction in refrigerator production is compensated for by the production of steel fittings. Manufacturing of vacuum cleaners begins in New Zealand.
The food processor ”Assistent” is launched. It is to become one of the Group’s biggest sellers. An experimental kitchen is started at the central laboratory in Stockholm. L300 – the first fridge designed by the father of the streamline, Raymond Loewy – for Electrolux is launched.
Electrolux purchases Bohus Mekaniska Verkstads AB in Gothenburg. The Group thereby enters into a new product category – washing machines.
Penta – a producer of outboard engines, is acquired. Electrolux already owns the competing producer Archimedes.
A new plant for production of small electrical motors opens in Västervik. In Germany, operations begin again after the war. Refrigerators are produced in Berlin and vacuum cleaners in Wilhelmshafen.
