Whirlpool to export in Pak, B'desh, Middle East

Kolkata, Apr 11: Whirlpool India, a leading manufacturer of home appliances, will export products to countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh and Middle-East countries targetting a market share of 30 per cent.

The company also aims to achieve an increased sales target 20 per cent this year, company's Vice-President(Sales) Kamal Kanti said today while talking to newspersons at a press conference.

Whirlpool has become the numero uno in the Frost free refrigerator segment while grabbed the second position in washing machine segment in the country, he said.

The gross sales of the company has increased by 19 per cent in 2006 with annual turnover of Rs 1376 crores. This year the company expects to notch up the sales by 27 per cent in the refrigerator category, 20 per cent in the washing machines and 10 per cent in air conditioners.

The company today launched three new products, namely 'Mastermind' refrigerators of capacities 220-280 litres, with price ranging between Rs 11,700-20,000, and the product was expected a growth target of 25 per cent this year.

The other products launched were fully and semi-automatic washing machines and 100 per cent dryers, keeping in view the monsoon. The company introduced revamped air conditioner, with "sixth sense" technology patented by the company, ranging between Rs 12,000 to 29,000.

Asked about the manufacturing expansion, Mr Kanti said the company has three units at Faridabad (refrigerators), Pune(double door refrigerators) and Pudduchery (washing machines) and were planning to set up one in eastern India, which countributes 18-20 per cent to the total turnover.

UNI