Russian-made washing machine: a quality purchase or a waste of money?

Over the past few years, the inscription “Made in Russia” on equipment has become increasingly visible, which has caused controversial comments.
This interesting phenomenon has not bypassed washing machines.

But many began to wonder what this inscription means?

Are these cars actually being produced in the Russian Federation?

Or is this just a marketing ploy to make people want to buy a Russian-made washing machine to maintain the country’s financial condition?

After all, many, especially those who were born in the USSR, remember how high-quality the equipment was in those days, copies of which are still working in our grandmothers’ bins. But can the same be said about Russian-made washing machines today?

[edit] Companies

About 10 companies are involved in the production of washing machines in Russia, the vast majority of which produce equipment under foreign brands.[1][2]

Semi-automatic washing machines are produced under Russian brands, the target audience being low-income consumers, as well as summer residents. Most Russian brands are created at enterprises for which civilian products are a non-core form of production. The high level of competition from international companies locating their factories in Russia complicates the development of Russian brands.[3]

The strongest position among companies producing washing machines in Russia is retained by the Russian division of the Indesit Company, CJSC Indesit International. Based on the results of nine months of 2010, it occupies 35.6% of the all-Russian production volume. The top three also included LG Electronics Rus () and Beko.[4]

[edit] Indesit

Washing machines under the Indesit and Hotpoint-Ariston brands are manufactured in Lipetsk.[5]

The Indesit company has created an industrial cluster for the production of components for refrigerators and washing machines; these are 12 satellite enterprises with 6.5 thousand employees.[6]

[edit] LG

The plant is located in the city of Ruza (Moscow region).[7]

[edit] Beko

Washing machines under the Beko brand are produced in Kirzhach (Vladimir region).[8]

The Beko plant in Russia produces 600 thousand washing machines per year.[9]

[edit]Bosch

In Strelna (St. Petersburg) there is a full-cycle plant for the production of machines under the Bosch and Siemens brands. Production capacity - 350 thousand washing machines per year. The plant belongs to (Russian subsidiary of Bosch und Siemens Hausgerate).[10][11][12]

The plant was opened in mid-2012. Investments in it amounted to 1.2 billion rubles, another 800 million were invested in expanding the logistics complex.[13]

The localization level of washing machine production at the plant is almost 40%. In May 2014, BSH CEO Hans-Kersten Hrubesch said that the company wants to increase the localization level to 60-70% within three years.[14]

[edit] Vestel

Washing machines under the Vestel brand are produced in Kirzhach (Vladimir region).[15]

The Vestel company produces 600 thousand washing machines per year in Russia.[16]

At the Kirzhach plant there are three stages (input, internal and final) and two levels (selective and 100%) of control. Purchased components and components produced by the plant undergo random acceptance control and 100% control during assembly. The assembled product is subject to 100% performance control on the assembly line and random inspection by the laboratory.[17]

[edit] Candy

Candy machines are produced at the Kirov plant.[18]

Some parts for manufactured machines are purchased from Russian manufacturers. Guillaume Aba, marketing director of Candy Hoover Group Russia, said this in an interview: “Many parts of washing machines are purchased in the same region where the factory is located. This means that we use a lot of Russian components at the Kirov plant."

.[19]

At the Kirov plant, all washing machines are tested before packaging, a mini-wash cycle is simulated for them, 2% of devices from the batch are tested with longer cycles, and 20 machines per week simulate a full life cycle, which is 10 years of use.[20]

Overview of the market for washing machines made in Russia

Below is a rating of “washing machines” taking into account the popularity of the brand, the combination of price and quality, as well as consumer reviews.

1. In first place we can put popular equipment under the brands “Indesit” and “Ariston”, the production of which is established in Lipetsk.
2. The next position is occupied by the Korean brand LG. The products are produced in the town of Ruza near Moscow.
3. Third place goes to the popular one. These machines are produced on the territory of the Russian Federation in the Kaluga region.
4. Products under the Turkish brands “Beko” and “Vestel” are produced in the cities of Alexandrov and Kirzhach (Vladimir region).
5. Popular brands Siemens and Bosch are placed on the fifth level due to their high cost. The production of devices under these brands is established in St. Petersburg.
6. The Vyatka plant produces Italian equipment.
7. Belarusian "Atlantas" are produced in Moscow.

Today, under the Bosch brand, various countries produce about five hundred models of automatic machines with different performance characteristics. From such a huge range, each buyer will be able to choose the modification that is most suitable for him. What are their main advantages? We list the main ones:

1. high-quality components that can function for a long period without breakdowns;
2. excellent assembly of machines, the production of which takes place in European countries;
3. numerous modern options that improve the quality of washing, saving time and energy resources;
4. reasonable cost of units, allowing European models to maintain competitiveness in the markets;
5. ease of repair, availability of spare parts.

Today, the CIS countries offer a huge number of modifications of washing machines, the most functional of which are the following samples:

• Bosch WLG 20060 OE - is simple, reliable and low cost. The maximum stash of dirty items is up to five kilograms. The washing machine is not equipped with any special bells and whistles, but it does provide protection from sudden leaks and monitoring of foam formation and imbalance. The equipment is produced in Russia, hence the acceptable pricing policy, not exceeding 310 US dollars;
• Bosch WVH 28442 OE is an excellent washing unit, equipped with numerous options and sixteen operating programs. Examples include the capabilities of weighing laundry, partial loading, second rinse, ironing, etc. In this machine you will wash seven kilograms of clothes and dry four. The production of such equipment is established in China;
• Bosch WAW 32540 OE is a model from a German company, characterized by high cost and excellent performance. In one cycle, it washes at least nine kilograms of laundry, spins at a speed of 1,600 rpm, is capable of automatically weighing dirty items, washing without spinning, ironing, and stopping during operation as needed. In addition to these and other functions, the model has fourteen operating modes that will help you ensure proper care for your own items made from any type of fabric. Cost – 1260 dollars;
• Bosch WAW 24440 OE is a cheaper option from a German manufacturer, characterized by modest characteristics. It washes nine kilograms of clothes in one load, spins at 1,200 rpm, is considered not very economical, the cost varies between $1,000;
• Bosch WLG 24060 OE is a narrow automatic machine, the load of which does not exceed five kilograms. Spinning is performed at a speed of 1,200 rpm. The number of operating modes is fifteen. There is protection against leaks, small children, imbalance control, foam formation and overflow. There is another useful function - when adding items during washing, the water is adjusted automatically. The machine weighs sixty kilograms and is small in size;
• Bosch WIS 24140 is a built-in model, with a maximum load of up to seven kilograms and a spin speed of 1,200. For washing, there are fifteen operating modes, including the function of removing stains, ironing, protection against possible leaks, imbalance, and control of foam formation. With dimensions of 820 by 600 by 570 mm, the washing machine weighs 81 kg;
• Bosch WAK 20240 OE is an automatic washing machine that washes eight kilograms of clothes at a time and spins them at a speed of 1,000 revolutions. Equipped with fifteen operating modes. Features include the Wave Drum, which evenly distributes water, the Active Water liquid saving system, the AntiVibration function, which reduces vibration, and the ability to self-clean the tray for detergents. With dimensions of 85 by 60 by 62 cm, the machine weighs 80 kg. The production of this model is established by a Turkish company;
• Bosch Maxx 5 is the most popular model. It is distinguished by the presence of eleven working programs and ease of use. You only need to determine the type of material, the machine will do the rest on its own. In terms of washing efficiency, the unit belongs to group A; it consumes no more than 40 liters of liquid per working cycle. In the standard version, the machine has dimensions of 60 by 40 by 85 cm.

We invite you to familiarize yourself with a Washing machine with a water tank: for a summer house without running water, automatic, activator-type washing machine

[edit] Characteristics of washing machines

The main feature of Russians’ requests is the great need for compact models with reduced depth, which can be placed in small bathrooms or five-meter kitchens. According to Guillaume Aba from Candy Hoover Group Russia, in Russia the slims (narrow) segment is the main one. Manufacturers have primarily responded to this need: devices with reduced depth dominate the model ranges of factories located in Russia.[21]

Top-loading machines are less popular in Russia, unlike other European countries, such as France. Therefore, for the most part, model ranges assembled in Russia include only front-loading devices.[22]

The vast majority of modern cars, including Russian-made ones, have the maximum energy efficiency class A, that is, they consume a minimum amount of energy.[23]

Review of popular models

• Bosch WLG 2416 M.

Won the ranking of the best narrow washing machines. The machine has dimensions of 85 by 60 cm, and the depth is 40 cm, which is a very minimal value, so placing this machine will not be difficult even in very small rooms. The maximum loading weight is 5 kg of dry laundry. Spin speed 1000 rpm. There are a large number of modes for washing clothes, for example, gentle washing of cotton items, bleaching old white items, drying and ironing. It has the only drawback: it starts to work too loudly when spinning clothes. The cost varies from 16 to 17.5 thousand rubles.

• Indesit XWDA 751680X.

Washing machine with clothes drying function. After washing in this machine, you don’t even need to hang your clothes on the dryer or in the fresh air, because the machine itself will dry and iron all the clothes. The maximum load for washing is 7 kg of dry laundry. Spin speed 1600 rpm. It combines a huge number of different modes of drying, washing and ironing clothes, so it will appeal to many housewives. Among the disadvantages, people highlight the lack of a reverse timer, which can be convenient for many people, and the high price. The cost of the washing machine is 38 thousand rubles.

• LG F-1096SD3.

This model is positioned as super narrow. Users find it very reliable, effective, attractive, and also not too expensive, so many people will be able to purchase it. The washing machine capacity is 4 kg of dry laundry. The spin speed is 1100 rpm, while the model is quite quiet and the spin is not very loud. Includes 13 washing modes, including: “Quick 30”, “Baby laundry”, “Gentle wool” and many others. The downside is the loud flow of water into the machine. The cost of this model is 22-24 thousand rubles.

• Siemens WS12T540OE.

Took first place in the top front-loading washing machines. The car is stylish and modern, so it will fit into a stylish interior, just in time, and is also very reliable and practical. The company provides a guarantee against leaks for the entire period of use. Maximum load 7 kg of dry laundry. Number of revolutions 1200 per minute. The arsenal includes not only classic washing modes, but also a large number of current modes. The drum has a backlight that detects four types of stains, namely: blood, sweat, coffee and red wine. The cost of a washing machine is 37-39 thousand rubles.

• Hotpoint-Ariston VMUF 501 B.

A fairly narrow washing machine with parameters of 85 cm by 60 cm, the depth is 35 cm. This model is included in the list of budget washing machines, so really anyone can buy it. However, the model is of very high quality and guarantees 3 years of use without a single leak. The maximum load is 5 kg of dry laundry. Spin speed – 1000 rpm. Includes 12 washing modes. Among the disadvantages, people emit too much noise when spinning clothes. The cost of this model is 17 thousand rubles.

• Ocean WFO-860S3.

This review also includes one real Russian automatic washing machine, created and assembled on the territory of the Russian Federation. It has a huge advantage: the drum opens from the top and the laundry is loaded vertically, so even after turning it on, you can still add laundry during washing without fear of breakage and water leakage. The dimensions of the machine are small, so it can easily be placed in a small bathroom. People who were born in the USSR will especially like this car. It has markings for the water level and instructions for gramming the powder for a given volume of water. You can load a maximum of 6 kg of dry laundry. This model is quite difficult to find in stores, so not many people have it. The approximate cost is 15-20 thousand rubles.

[edit] Geography

In 2012, 3.36 million household washing machines were produced in Russia, of which:[24]

• Central Federal District - 82.5% (2.77 million);
• Volga Federal District - 9.9% (333 thousand);
• Northwestern Federal District - 5.8% (198 thousand);
• Southern Federal District - 1.3% (43 thousand);
• Far Eastern Federal District - 0.4% (15 thousand).

The trend in recent years (2010-2012) is the growth of production in the Central Federal District.[25]

Which factory produces better?

There is no doubt that Germany takes the lead in producing the highest quality washing machines . The country has the largest headquarters and factory for the production of household appliances.

It is in Germany that the latest and most advanced models labeled WLX and WAS are produced. However, it is not so easy for a Russian consumer to purchase a German-assembled device. This country produces no more than 7% of the total number of Bosch washing machines in the world. Although such models still exist on the market.

The main advantages of washing machines assembled in Germany:

1. 
   High quality pump with 6 blades. For example, machines made in China have a classic pump with 4 blades.

2. The presence of a seal inside the case, which provides additional sound insulation.
3. Glass hatch covered with a plastic partition.
4. A highly efficient heating element, the service life of which is at least 10 years, and for older models - 15 years.
5. The presence of a stiffener along the central part of the body.

The cost of household appliances assembled in Germany will be approximately 2 times higher. It is believed that the secret to the quality of devices lies in the impeccable execution of components and impeccable assembly.

According to experts, cars produced in German factories last 5-7 years longer than their counterparts from other countries of the world. Bosch washing machines assembled in Poland are of good quality. However, they do not have stiffeners or noise absorbers; the pump is installed with 3 screws.

Whether or not to buy a Bosch washing machine assembled in China is up to each buyer to decide independently . In such devices a proprietary electronic module is installed, but the model itself will be simplified as much as possible.

It has a thinner body and hatch glass, no seals, different shock absorbers and a pump with 4 latches, which rotates in different directions. The service life of such pumps, according to household appliance repair specialists, is about 3 years.

[edit] History

Main article

:
History of the production of washing machines in Russia
In 1999, the Italian company Merloni Elettrodomestici bought from NLMK what it inherited during privatization and by 2004 also launched the production of washing machines on its premises.[26]

In 2006, the Vesta washing machine plant in Kirov was bought by the Italian company Candy. It carried out a deep modernization, turning the Russian plant into an assembly plant for its own brands.[27]

In 2012, a Bosch/Siemens plant was opened in St. Petersburg.[28]

Russian manufacturers of washing machines

The design of this technology on Russian territory dates back to the times of the USSR. Those who lived in those times are well familiar with such semi-automatic machines as Fairy, Oka, Ob, Malyutka. A real revolution in this branch of Russian mechanical engineering was the creation in 1981 of the fully automatic Vyatka-12 model. Many critics dispute its title of “the first domestic automatic machine,” since it was assembled according to the drawings of the Italian company Ariston.

Assembly of washing machines

Important! Originally Russian washing machines are usually called only those that are manufactured under an independent brand and assembled according to their own designs.

Currently, Russian automatic washing machines are produced by only one brand – Vyatka. In 2005, the Italian company Candy bought the plant, replacing all equipment and making adjustments to the assembly process. Until 2009, the Khabarovsk enterprise EVGO also produced washing machines, but it was liquidated due to bankruptcy.

The vast majority of Russian factories that produce household appliances behind their doors are only branches of foreign brands.

[edit] Supplies for manufacturers

In mid-2012, it was noted that Indesit was attracting its traditional suppliers from Italy to Russia with their own localization projects.[29]

[edit] Marcegaglia

Marcegaglia, a supplier of coated steel sheets and stampings, opened its plant in Lipetsk.[30]

[edit] Glazov. Electron

By order of the Italian company, it produces electrical harnesses for washing machines using advanced IDC technology that meets international quality standards.[31][32]

Operation and repair

As statistics and consumer reviews show, among the “washing machines” assembled at domestic factories, representatives of the brands “Indesit” and “Bosch” are most often repaired. On average, such units operate without failure for 2-3 years, which is an order of magnitude less than their German or Korean counterparts.

For comparison:

• Russian-made automatic washing machines assembled from original European parts last for at least five years;
• Chinese models - 4-5 years;
• Italian manufacturing – 8 years;
• French and German layout - 10-16 years;
• Austrian and Swedish assembled products – 14-20 years.

An important factor when choosing a washing machine is the country of manufacture. It is not easy to find modifications of the original Swedish or German layout on the domestic market due to their high cost. The prices of Russian-made washing machines are an order of magnitude lower, which is why there is greater demand for them.

[edit] Export

See also for more details

:
Export of washing machines from Russia
Since 2015, Russian exports of washing machines have exceeded imports, the country has become a net exporter of washing machines.[33]

Exports of household washing machines from Russia in 2022 increased by 26% to 1,779 thousand units. This is another absolute record. For the third year in a row, there has been a significant increase; during this period, deliveries have increased more than 4 times. Since 2016, Russia has ranked 7th in the world in exports of washing machines (after China, Poland, Turkey, Thailand, Italy and Slovakia). In value terms, exports amounted to $319 million (+36%).[34]

Producing countries in the world

Bosch washing machines are produced all over the world. Today the company has 440 subsidiaries located in more than 60 countries, namely:

1. 
   Poland. The plant in this country produces devices of the brands WAA, WAB, WOR, WAE.
   The plant is located in the city of Lodz. The devices assembled on it meet the needs of the country itself, as well as the European continent. Some household appliances are supplied to the Russian market.

2. China .
   This country produces progressive models labeled WVD, WLO, WLM and WVF. They are distinguished by their large capacity and numerous innovative technologies. In China, the company already has 45 production sites and continues to open new facilities. The washing machines produced by them are exported all over the world.
3. Turkey . This country produces cars marked WAA and WAB.
4. Spain . Washing machines are marked WAQ.
5. France . French factories produce devices whose models are marked with the letter code WOT.

[edit] Links

• The Russian washing machine market has exceeded pre-crisis highs
• Production of washing machines in Russia under foreign brands
• Great German wash
• New stage of “Glazov. Electron"

Source - ""

Categories: Russian mechanical engineering industries | Washing machines in Russia | Production of washing machines

New Haier plant in Chelny: a million washing machines and dreams of 100% localization

Production Director Sun Guiwei gave an exclusive tour of the enterprise for BUSINESS Online

“THESE WERE THE MOST DIFFICULT CONDITIONS FOR CONSTRUCTION. THERE ARE NO SUCH THINGS IN CHINA"

The groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the washing machine plant took place on May 28, 2018. And now, a little over a year later, not far from the village of Azmushkino, on an area of ​​29 thousand square meters. m a large white and blue building of a new production has grown. The first washing machines will roll off the assembly line tomorrow, when the 123rd Haier plant in the world and the first in Russia will be inaugurated with the direct participation of the President of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov and the founder of the corporation, Zhang Ruimin.
A few days before the opening, BUSINESS Online journalists visited the plant. At the threshold they were met by director Sun Guiwei in a gray work uniform with a blue collar. Having previously given the guests green tea collected from Mount Laoshan, the leader gave a tour of the new enterprise almost along the presidential route. Entering through the main entrance, we found ourselves in the future showroom. Now the finishing touches are being applied there: lighting is being installed, a panel on which there will be a large screen - on it the president will see the chronology of the construction of the plant and the history of the development of the Chinese holding. Then the delegation will be asked to lay down a time capsule and will be shown a map of the world, which has almost been conquered by Haier. Of course, they will demonstrate different models of household appliances, including those that will be manufactured at the Chelny site.

Sun Guiwei: “Now we see the result - there are no cracks anywhere, the floors meet all the requirements. We managed to meet the deadlines"

Almost across the wall from the showroom are the spacious workshops of the plant, in the construction of which $50 million was invested, with only 30% of this amount spent on equipment, and half on the construction of the building itself. It is the walls, floors and ceilings, and not the production lines, that the Chinese consider the heart of the plant. Ilnara Gaisina worked on this heart . “Six months of construction work was carried out during the winter, when there was snow,” says Guiwei. “ These were the most difficult conditions for construction, which we don’t have: snow is rare in China. And the most stressful stage was the installation of the floors, when it was minus 20 outside and the building had not yet been completely closed. Of course, in Russia construction is often carried out in winter. But it was precisely for the floors that it was necessary to ensure a temperature above 10 degrees. Then you don't have to worry about quality. We conducted a thorough analysis and discussed with the general contractor and concrete producers. And after that, one solution was found. The plant was divided into zones, and they were heated. Now we see the result - there are no cracks anywhere, the floors meet all the requirements. We managed to meet the deadlines. We would like to thank the city leadership and various media outlets for their support. Thanks to this, they were able to build the plant so quickly. We are pleased with the result of the work done.”

The government really has a lot to thank for. In addition to the tax benefits provided to Haier as a resident of the TASED, the local municipality allocated a site of 127 hectares for the corporation’s industrial park, and through the single-industry towns development fund, utility networks were connected to the plant for 340 million rubles. And the street leading to the plant was named after the Haier corporation.

Almost across the wall from the showroom are the spacious workshops of the plant, in the construction of which $50 million was invested.

As for the contractor, the management of Haier, according to the director, has come a long way, looking for those who can be entrusted with the construction. “At first we considered about 20 companies. Then 6–7 applicants were selected. And then another round of selection took place, and one company was selected. They were chosen according to various parameters, and in terms of the total number of points, the Eurostyle company scored the highest score. We considered various criteria for companies - availability of the necessary equipment, distance from the construction site, how soon they could mobilize. It was a rather complicated process. As a result, we chose a local company because it has all the necessary capacities to implement the project,” explained Mr. Guiwei. However, in Russia it is customary that the organization that offers the lowest price becomes the contractor. But, apparently, the Chinese were not happy with this arrangement. Mr. Guiwei believes that price is an important aspect, but safety and quality are more important, and assures that during the construction work great attention was paid to these two components.

Of course, the plant in Chelny is not an exact copy of the Chinese one. Only the appearance is standard. The walls are made of Chinese sandwich panels, the equipment was also imported from China and partly from Europe, the only Russian crane beams at the plant are manufactured by RusTalMash. But each of the factories has its own highlight. “We must adapt to local characteristics and climate. Also, when the equipment plan is created, attention is paid to localization. In Chelny, for example, suppliers of metal stamped parts are very developed, and the plant no longer needs to install this equipment. The difference between China and Russia is large both in terms of legislation and in terms of construction methods. And while I’m here, I’m learning all the time. There’s a lot of new information,” shared our guide to the plant.

The plant in Chelny is not an exact copy of the Chinese one. Only the appearance is standard. The walls are made of Chinese sandwich panels, the equipment was also imported from China and partly from Europe Photo: BUSINESS Online

76 DEFECTIVE REFRIGERATORS AND A MILLION COMPACT-CAPACITY “WASHERS”

The plant will be smart, equipped with industry 4.0 technology, like other Haier enterprises around the world. At the same time, the most important thing that needs to be ensured is a direct connection between the client and the technology. The COSMOPlat platform is designed to do this, which allows you to connect all links of the consumer-production chain: logistics, supply of components, warehouse, service, sales channels, R&D centers and feedback from consumers. COSMOPlat is positioned by Haier as standard software for a smart factory: through this program, the consumer conveys his wishes directly to the enterprise; when a certain critical mass of identical requests is reached, the company launches the idea into production. The system, in its essence, is as primitive as possible, because it is elementary work to order, performed on the simplest principles of calculating profitability. Only here the citizen sends his wishes not to a Russian garage, but to a huge robotic plant.

So far, production has not started and Chelny products as such have not yet been received. There are several main lines: for the manufacture of washing machine bodies, stamping of metal products, painting of the body, an injection molding machine shop where plastic parts are produced, and a general assembly line. The BUSINESS Online journalist caught workers studying the general assembly line and the washing machines themselves, a batch of which arrived from China and were displayed in an orderly row along one of the walls. Work is currently underway to train employees and debug all lines.

The company has developed a large-scale system of measures to combat defects. The very stage of designing washing machine models allows you to avoid it

By the way, the company has developed a large-scale system of measures to combat defects. The very stage of designing washing machine models allows you to avoid it. For example, different terminals are attached only in one position, and it is simply impossible to insert parts by mixing up the connection points. In addition, great attention is paid to employee training. The lines are equipped with many scanners that carry out quality control. The issue of marriage is, one might say, fundamental for the company. The history of the corporation began precisely with the fact that Mr. Ruimin, who had just come to manage the plant, ordered the workers to personally destroy 76 defective refrigerators made by themselves. They say many of them cried. But, despite the tough decision, the manager did not calculate the loss from workers’ salaries, sacrificing his own. Since then, the quality problem at the plant has been resolved.

Let us remind you that 500 thousand washing machines will be produced per year. Subsequently, it is planned to install a second line, which will allow the production of up to 1 million units of equipment. The model range currently includes 12 items with subsequent expansion. At the first stage, equipment in the mid-price segment will be produced. It should be noted that a year ago, at the groundbreaking ceremony for the future plant, guests were shown models of washing machines from China that will be made at the Chelny site. However, this will not happen immediately.

“The products of the local plant,” explains the director, “are a completely new model line, which is designed for the needs of Russian users and will be sold only on the Russian market. For example, the current trend in China is that users are choosing more spacious cars. The product is constantly increasing in size. But in Russia, everything is exactly the opposite - here buyers want to have compact equipment, and at the same time, it still holds the required amount of laundry.” This trend is understandable: the average Russian apartment has small bathrooms, and washing machines can be found in the most unexpected places - from the kitchen to the pantry.

The BUSINESS Online journalist caught workers studying the general assembly line and the washing machines themselves, a batch of which arrived from China

As Mr. Guiwei noted, sales of Haier washing machines in Russia over the past three years have increased 7 times, so the potential need for a million units clearly exists. It is curious that such figures have not been used before. So, last year the plan for sales of washing machines in Russia was 150 thousand units, which were imported from a plant in Qingdao. Sergey Fomichev reported this a year ago .

It should be noted that Haier has held a significant share of the global market for three years in a row - 14.4% and has been named the fastest growing company in the world: from 2009 to 2022, the company's turnover increased from $18.5 billion to $39.1 billion. In China, Haier accounts for 44% of the market. And after acquiring Candy Hoover last year, the company became one of the top five leaders in the European market (5.9% of the market). By the way, in terms of sales of refrigerators, the company now occupies 22.7% of the world market, washing machines - 19.8%, freezers - 25.8%. Haier Russia entered the top 3 suppliers of washing machines in Russia, occupying 14.7% of the market. This indicator was affected by integration with Candy Hoover, since a year earlier the company's share in the washing machine segment accounted for 10.9%.

Let us recall that at the time of the start of construction of the plant in Chelny, the goal for washing machines was to reach 1st or 2nd place in Russia by 2022. When asked who Haier's main competitor is in the Russian market, the plant director replied that he does not monitor competitors, but only monitors user needs.

As Mr. Guiwei noted, sales of Haier washing machines in Russia over the past three years have increased 7 times, so the potential need for a million units clearly exists

FIRST, SUPPLIERS SHOULD BE FROM PEOPLE

During the first months of operation, the plant will actually be an industrial assembly made from Chinese components. However, now the company wants to solve the main problem - to achieve 60% localization by next year, bringing it to 100% in the future. First of all, they plan to localize stamped metal and plastic parts, as well as rubber components. In addition, production requires some aluminum parts, and the plant is now negotiating cooperation with KAMAZ.

“Products from Chinese suppliers have been tested and approved, so we are using their parts for now. Some parts from local manufacturers were also sent for testing, I think a decision will be made soon on their use. There are already many good suppliers in Chelny who can produce high-level products, since the automotive industry is developed here, and there is the KAMAZ company. We really look forward to working with local suppliers. Therefore, we have to get to know them and talk about our needs. Among the locals, first of all, those who are already working with the refrigerator plant will be considered,” Guiwei explained.

The executive committee is working on the idea of ​​holding an event to which they will invite not only existing manufacturers, but also potential ones who can open a new production facility to meet the needs of the washing machine plant. Supplier Day should be as open as possible and, rather, even in a training format. At least, Haier management has already been given an order: first of all, manufacturers should be from Chelny, secondly - from Tatarstan.

The Nizhnekamsk resident from China, Kamastal, which produces coiled steel for a refrigerator plant, will not stand aside. They will negotiate with him. First of all, their technical capabilities will be considered. “Most likely, for now they will only be able to refine the details. We also plan to buy the material itself—sheet steel—from Russia. Tests of Russian samples are now being carried out, and in Nizhnekamsk we will be able to cut these sheets. But for now everything is at the negotiation stage,” the director said.

Currently, the plant employs 150 people, but a total of 385 will be needed. Actually, there are only seven Chinese citizens

150 WORKERS AND SEVEN CHINESE PEOPLE

Currently, the plant employs 150 people, but a total of 385 will be needed. Actually, there are only seven Chinese citizens. Among them are both managers and several people with technical specialization. There are workers who came from the recently closed Ford Sollers plant. But they don’t hide the shortage of personnel here—they need workers. Among the top priority are specialists in plastic molding, metal stamping and painting. Forklift drivers and warehouse specialists are also required. Haier is not involved in poaching personnel, Guiwei assures, the market is supposedly free. But in general, it is very important for the corporation that employees develop together with Haier, so that they have a goal and a dream. This development is in the wake of the ideology of the RenDanHeYi business model, implemented in 2005, which implies a rejection of the traditional management vertical. Sun Zhenhua spoke about it in detail in an interview with BUSINESS Online . Haier's factories are a system of self-sustaining micro-enterprises that have replaced most of the firm's own workforce. Currently, there are about 2 thousand such micro-enterprises operating in the Haier system. the leaders of these groups are themselves responsible for the development strategy of their team, and they are not appointed from above, but are elected within the group through a purely democratic mechanism. When an employee is ready to create a new product, he submits an application with a business plan, and if the viability of the project is confirmed, then he becomes the leader of the production team. A similar model will be created at the Chelny site. True, the BUSINESS Online journalist doubted that such a philosophy fits the Russian mentality, accustomed to an authoritarian style of work.

“The same thing, if we talk about Chinese culture in 20-30 words, you are unlikely to have any understanding,” Guiwei draws parallels. — You just need to feel it, participate in the process, then you can understand such a model. After the plant is launched, a lot more work will be done in this direction, but already now the management method at the plant in Chelny corresponds to the RenDanHeYi model. This philosophy will also be reflected during meetings and during ongoing work. Our employees already work according to this model.”

The working week in China is the same as in Russia: 40 working hours. The working day at the plant lasts from 8:30 to 17:30. There is a watch and eco-parking for personal transport. Unlike Chinese factories, a large area of ​​the ground floor is given over to changing rooms and showers. There are plans to organize several relaxation areas for employees, where they can drink tea during a technical break. The plant will not operate night shifts for the next year and a half. By the way, after the plant is launched, workers are promised discounts on the purchase of Haier household appliances. The average salary will be approximately the same as at a refrigerator factory - 38 thousand rubles. Guiwei did not dare to announce earnings at Chinese factories, saying that there are 10 washing machine factories in China, all of them are located in different regions of China, and even between them there is a difference in wages.

At the end of the tour and stories, Guiwei told us a little about himself. Graduated from a university in China with a degree in mechanical science, after which he immediately got a job at Haier

At the end of the tour and stories, Guiwei told us a little about himself. He graduated from a university in China with a degree in mechanical science, after which he got a job at Haier. Worked for 8 years at a washing machine factory in China. After that, he was sent to a similar corporation plant in Japan. At the end of 2022, Guiwei was seconded to Chelny and has since been in charge of this facility. He left behind a wife and 10-year-old son in China. “The best example for a son is to work hard and do his job well,” says the manager. — You need to show how to behave by personal example. Of course, frequent business trips interfere with normal communication with family. But now distance is not such a critical issue - there are various messengers. The only problem is the 5-hour time difference.”

When asked where he lives in Chelny, the director replied that he was far from the city, in some village, the name of which he didn’t even know, since he didn’t know the area well.

Top 10 best manufacturers of automatic washing machines

The criteria for choosing household appliances are individual for each buyer. Some people primarily pay attention to the design and popularity of the brand, while others value low cost and efficiency. Others prefer reliability and low noise levels, and some users cannot do without impressive functionality. When compiling the rating, we took into account not only these factors, but also the capacity of the washing machine, the quality of protection against leaks, the variety and efficiency of washing programs, as well as design features such as the use of direct drive.