Electrolux refrigeration factory tour

May 22nd, 2012

Fridges & Freezers

Last month selected members from the Appliances Online team had the pleasure of visiting the Electrolux factory in Orange, NSW.

Located 250 kilometres west of Sydney, the Electrolux factory has been operating since 1946 and is one of Orange’s biggest employers (currently with over 600 staff).

This factory manufactures between 300,000 and 325,000 fridges and freezers a year which are marketed under the Electrolux, Westinghouse, Kelvinator and Simpson brands.

To keep up with demand, the warehouse can hold up to 10,000 fridges, with additional storage areas for peak periods.

Each day, up to 1300 large refrigerators (including top mounts, bottom mounts, side-by-side and single door fridges) are produced, and more than 200 chest freezers.

Strict procedures are in place to ensure that Electrolux’s quality standards are consistently maintained. This superior quality is reflected in the rave reviews for Electrolux fridges submitted daily by happy Appliances Online customers:

“I love my new fridge! It uses less power than smaller models, it looks good and it was made in Australia. My food stays fresh for much longer than in previous fridges I have had. It appears to be good quality and I feel confident it will last the distance. (I have had it for a month). I am thrilled with it.”
– Anna (Cremorne, NSW)

Adjoining the plant is the Electrolux Skills Centre which opened in 1994 in a joint venture with the NSW Government. The state and federal governments, plus organisations involved in the agricultural, mining, food processing, telecommunications and aged care industries – as well as Electrolux – are among the many which conduct different training programs at the Centre.

Additionally, Electrolux is a brand that is committed to creating eco-friendly appliances. For example, a new Electrolux top mount fridge will save you 33% more energy “compared to 10 year old bottom mount fridges of similar capacity.” (Source: Energy use in the Australian residential sector 1986 – 2020 DEWHA 2008). Plus the fact that it was made in Australia means it hasn’t had to travel here from overseas!

And most importantly, R600a, the more environmentally friendly and non-synthetic refrigerant used by Electrolux, has  a significantly lower global warming potential and shorter life in atmosphere than the hydrofluorocarbon R134a used in most conventional fridges.

Josh Blackshaw, Store Manager at Winning Appliances Taren Point, had these words to say:

“The level of professionalism and pride the folks of Electrolux have, instils in us the proud feeling of being an Australian and the will to continue our support for this great company flying the Australian made flag where so many others fail. Many thanks to Ryan and all the great crew at Electrolux for the generous invitation and hospitality.”

Thanks Electrolux! Til next we meet again…