Chinese owners makes its mark on Fisher by announced major global expansion of the kiwi appliance brand, over 2 years.The ambitious new owner of Fisher & Paykel plans on releasing the largest number of new F&P products at one time including new refrigerators, cooktops, a new oven platform and new laundry products.
Haier, the largest applaince maker globally, plans to expand Fisher & Paykel and DCS brands locally in New Zealand, Australia, North America, and boosting its presence in India and China.
“Fisher & Paykel is in expansion mode as our new owner, Haier, creates opportunities for accelerated growth to build the Fisher & Paykel brand further,”declared Stuart Broadhurst, CEO Fisher and Paykel
The appliance company announced a major shakeup of its Aussie sales operation, just yesterday.
The company has pledged to focus on technology innovation, new product development, and on its component and technology businesses.
“We will be expanding the Fisher & Paykel brand both locally and globally, giving people greater visibility of our product ranges, the kiwi technology behind them, and how they can make our lives easier,” declared Stuart Broadhurst, CEO Fisher and Paykel in a statement.
Haier Group who finalised the purchase of F&P last year, insists it wants the brand to remain New Zealand-led.
The appliance giant plans to recruit 100 research and development positions in its Auckland and Dunedin operations, as well as further job creation in other areas in the next 24 months.
Haier has designated New Zealand as one of its five global research and development centres of excellence for the Group.
Broadhurst said Fisher & Paykel and Haier “now have a relationship based on cooperation and mutual
respect,” and have a “common path that allows us to work on a number of opportunities”
“While Fisher & Paykel remains a standalone company with a strong, localised management team, Haier is providing the opportunity for us to deliver our business development plan far faster than we were previously planning.”
