1970
Microlux: The first Electrolux microwave
Electrolux launches a microwave oven based on and with the same design as the Husqvarna Electronic 2000 under the name “Microlux.”
Growth through acquisitions 1970-1979
1971
Commercial cleaning and colors for major appliances
A commercial cleaning service is established as a result of new company acquisitions. A face-lift for major appliances takes place with the trend towards new colors. Caravan refrigerators (absorption) are booming in the US market.
1972
Acquisitions to meet demand for absorption refrigeration
The upswing for absorption-refrigerator technology accelerates. The Group purchases manufacturers in Luxembourg and Germany (Kreft, Siegas) to meet the demand on the European market.
1973
Moving into new territory again: Calculators, office furniture and more
Facit is acquired – a purchase outside the core business. Its main products are mechanical calculators and office furniture, with subsidiaries in over 100 countries. Electrolux also acquires Ballingslöv, a producer of kitchen and bathroom cabinets, and professional washing machine maker Wascator.
1974
Hans Werthén becomes chairman, Gösta Bystedt is appointed CEO
Hans Werthen resigns as CEO to become chairman of the Board and is replaced by Gösta Bystedt, formerly Executive Vice President. Bystedt started his career at Elektro-Helios and was during the 1960s head of the vacuum cleaning business.
1974
Electrolux becomes number one in vacuum cleaners
The US vacuum cleaner producer NUE – with the brand Eureka – is acquired. This deal makes Electrolux the world’s number-one producer of vacuum cleaners. Major appliances are marketed under product names like Future Line and Superstar Electronic.
1975
Acquisitions in new product areas and launch of the built-in micro
A number of acquisitions in sectors such as laundry service (Tvättman), materials handling and agricultural machinery take place. The CF 780 – a stove with a built-in microwave oven is launched.
The burgundy-red unit could cook a frozen ham in half the time it would take in an ordinary oven.
1975
Presenting the New Generation product line
The “Electrolux New Generation” was introduced – a cooperation between Electrolux and Ballingslöv made after the new international dimension standard. “New Generation” was not only the result of technical development, but also a new design concept from the Electrolux design center in Stockholm.
1976
French acquisition and hitting the 5 million mark
Electrolux advances on the French market by acquiring major appliances manufacturer Arthur Martin and the vacuum cleaner company Tornado. These deals include Nestor Martin of Belgium and Menalux of Switzerland.
More than 5 million vacuum cleaners and floor polishers are manufactured.
1977
Thanks to acquiring Husqvarna, chainsaws becomes a new product line.
The Electrolux household appliance sector in Sweden is strengthened by the acquisition of Husqvarna. The deal also brings an entirely new addition to the product range – chainsaws.
1978
Datalux cooker is launched
The Datalux cooker, in which Electrolux used the electronic know-how from Facit, is launched. Datalux had electronic control functions with memory capacity and an automatic boil control.
1978
Three more chainsaw companies acquired plus Swiss Therma
The expansion in outdoor products continues, with Partner in the same year and Jonsered and Pioneer in 1979. The major appliances company Therma of Switzerland is also acquired.
1979
Back in the US with the acquisition of Tappan
Electrolux re-enters the US major appliances market through the acquisition of Tappan in Mansfield, Ohio. The company manufactures household appliances, including the new product category microwaves.
1979
A "Little Assistent" for small households
A smaller, wallfixed version of the Assistent food processor is launched called “The Little Assistent.” It was foldable and suited for smaller households.
