News Whirlpool told to recall
Whirlpool has been ordered to recall hundreds of thousands of its tumble dryers due to serious fi re risk.
The Government has ordered the recall of an estimated 500,000 unmodifi ed Hotpoint, Creda, Indesit, Proline and Swan.
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This comes four years after Whirlpool issued a warning about millions of dryers after it found an initial fault – this was subsequently blamed for at least 750 fi res over an 11-year period, according to the government. The machines in question need a fi x to make them safe to use – but it is thought there are still around 500,000 unmodifi ed dryers, which could pose a fi re risk if used. Any consumers who own one of these unmodifi ed dryers is being urged to unplug the machines and not use them until they’re fi xed – as a matter of importance. A Whirlpool spokesperson said the manufacturer is expanding its longstanding campaign to a recall of all unmodifi ed tumble dryers affected by the programme.
Record-breaking attendance at ‘hugely successful’ Sirius International Conference 2019
Sirius Buying Group has hailed its Ninth Annual International Conference as its biggest yet, with a total of 87 Member delegates from 48 Approved Member companies, hosted by 44 Approved Supplier delegates. Sirius welcomed its highest number of new- to-the-group Members and has reported of an increase in those either a lready operating in the kitchen furniture market or looking to expand into this new territory alongside electrical. This year, proceedings took place mid-May at The Ritz-Carlton Abama in Tenerife. Tried and tested, Sirius once again offered a ‘Speed Networking’ format for Approved Suppliers to present their services and products to affi liate Members.
Steve Jones, Commercial Director at Sirius Buying Group, commented: “To see the event sell out again, after the success of last year, shows just how important Sirius Buying Group has become to the wider KBB sector. Our infl uence in the appliance and kitchen market is growing
rapidly and we’re looking forward to a raft of new developments in the months ahead. “In fact, our 2019 conference witnessed 20 per
cent growth when compared to 2018, and this success was echoed with our greatest level of new accounts being opened by Members through our Suppliers.
“Ultimately, business outside of the group is
at an all-time low so we need to safeguard our commerciality and fast-track growth for all Sirius affi liates.” Another record was broken at the event’s Charity
Awards Gala, where an impressive £11,000 was raised. Mr Jones added: “Thanks so much to everyone for their generous contributions.” The Group’s annual VIP Trade Show returns on 18 September at the Forest of Arden Marriot Hotel and Country Club in Warwickshire.
‘potentially unsafe’ tumble dryers ‘’The recall aims to encourage any remaining owners
of affected dryers that have not yet already been modifi ed or replaced to make contact immediately,” they said. ‘’Under the recall, consumers have a greater choice
of remedy options. These include: a free replacement dryer; a free in-home modifi cation; or a refund based on the age of their appliance. Consumers can also choose to upgrade their affected dryer to a superior model for a fraction of the retail price.
‘’The safety campaign began in 2015 and has already
resolved the issue for 1.7 million people – a success rate of up to fi ve times the UK average for a product recall. ‘’However, there may still be people who have not yet engaged with this campaign, and it is vital that they come forward so Whirlpool can ensure the safety issue is resolved.’’
The safety warning applies to some types of tumble dryer manufactured between April 2004 and September 2015.
July/Aug 2019
ertonline.co.uk
Whirlpool has provided contact details for any queries. You can phone 0800 151 0905 or go online:
www.whirlpool.co.uk/dryerrecall There is more information on the ERT website. There is also comment from Martyn Allen, Technical Director at Electrical Safety First, on page 17 of this issue.
Loewe’s uncertain future
It has been reported that TV manufacturer, Loewe, has closed down due to insuffi cient funds.
At the end of June, a spokesperson for Loewe in the UK
said “it’s business as usual in the UK at the moment”. No more information has been provided since.
“On 25 June, Loewe announced to the Germany press that
the insolvency process has been escalated,” the spokesperson continued, “with the management deciding to move from self- administration to standard insolvency proceedings.” Indeed, German publication, Spiegel Online, reported that Loewe was bankrupt and planning to shut down operations. It also claimed that according to the insolvency administrator, less than half a million euros were in the accounts; a further loan of nine million euros from RiverRock was denied and now the futures of approximately 400 employees at the company hang in the balance.
The UK spokesperson continued: “Whilst Loewe had the support of its suppliers, distribution partners and customers it was unable to secure a loan required by its main creditors. Negotiations with potential investors continue apace with renewed impetus due to the reduction in liabilities a new investor would now incur.”
The German luxury TV brand has been around since 1923.
In recent years the company has faced fi nancial struggles; in 2014, Munich-based private equity fi rm, Stargate Capital, stepped in to acquire Loewe and promised future investment “totalling tens of millions of euros”. ERT approached the company for an update, but no information was provided.
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