Home appliance manufacturer Haier Europe held its annual conference reporting 20% growth in the brand, with a growth of 12% in Europe, and revealing future production investment plans.

CEO of UK and Republic of Ireland David Meyerowitz

The virtual 1 Vision smart conference attracted more than 500 attendees across two days and included presentations from CEO of Europe Yannick Fierling, CEO of UK and Republic of Ireland David Meyerowitz and Piergiorgio Bonfiglioli, marketing director IoT & smart solutions.

Meyerowitz reported how growing consumer confidence helped the group achieve number one positions in freestanding and built-in washing machines, washer dryers and tumble dryers, multi-door refrigeration and wine coolers.

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In addition, Yannick Fierling reported the company had experienced 12% growth in Europe, with 20% Haier brand growth, as well as a 16.2% global market share.

According to the company, it means 1: 4 fridges and washing machines sold around the world are from either Haier, Hoover or Candy brands.

Fierling believes this has been achieved through a focus on product experience as well as its three-brand strategy.

He explained: “Our three-element strategy of accelerating value, increasing sales quantities and optimising brand value have supported brand expansion into new lines and categories.

“This, combined with increased manufacturing capacity, upweighting systems and our triple-brand and price quartile strategies enabled us to mark a challenging but exceptional year.”

In the financial year 2020/21, Haier reported it has six production sites and 7,7000 employees, of which 300 are R&D engineers.

It also reported a 30% year-on-year increase in smart MDA sales, with more than 3million registered users, 18+ connected product families and more than 12million smart products in the market.

Haier has already set out its vision to be the first consumer choice for the Smart Home and  is set to showcase a simulation of a fully connected home at Milan Design Week from September 4-10, 2021.

In addition, appliance manufacturer has announced investment in its industrial footprint to meet growing demand, with the opening of three factories this year and next.

The location of the three manufacturing facilities will be in Romania, Turkey and China.