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History timeline

Adding new product ranges 1940-1949

electrolux-Motala-factory-ELU010140-timeline-images

1940

WWII results in production changes

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.

Kitchen assistent color

1940

Our next big seller: The food processor Assistent 

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.

Bohus advert for laundry

1944

Bohus Mekaniska and the industrial washing machine 

Electrolux purchases Bohus Mekaniska Verkstads AB in Gothenburg. The Group thereby enters into a new product category – washing machines.

Penta motor advert

1944

Beefing up our boat engine business 

Penta – a producer of outboard engines, is acquired. Electrolux already owns the competing producer Archimedes.

Factory interior Västervik

1948

A new plant in Västervik

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.