Water heaters are one of the least glamorous types of home appliances. The vertical metal tanks typically sit out of sight in dark corners of basements or behind closet doors. Most homeowners never think about the devices—until there’s no hot water. 

DRESDEN, Germany—The end of cleaning ovens, dishwashers, refrigerators and other appliances with chemicals or heat could soon be in sight, thanks to a new high-power laser system being developed to create self-cleaning, grease-repellent and antibacterial surfaces on sheet metal.

STOCKHOLM—Almost 98 percent of the total waste produced at Electrolux’s manufacturing sites was either recycled or recovered in 2022, and 55 percent of the appliance manufacturer’s factories are now certified as “Zero Waste to Landfill” facilities.

GÜTERSLOH, Germany—Appliance manufacturer Miele has announced that all of the aluminum needed to make its ovens will be produced exclusively using green electricity from hydropower. Miele anticipates that the move will reduce its CO₂ footprint by 645 tons per year.

NEW YORK—Global sales of smart kitchen appliances are expected to reach $43 billion in 2027, growing at a compound annual rate of 19 percent over the next four years, according to a new report from market research firm Business Research Co.

SAN FRANCISCO—Air quality officials in the San Francisco Bay Area have become the first in the nation to adopt rules that will phase out new gas-fueled water heaters and furnaces in homes and businesses starting in 2027.

Initiated in 2004, the Assembly Plant of the Year award showcases world-class production facilities in America and the people, products, and processes that make them successful. 

LOS ANGELES—Lockheed Martin Ventures, the venture capital arm of Lockheed Martin Corp., is investing in Machina Labs, a start-up company developing technology that combines AI and robotics to rapidly manufacture advanced sheet metal products.

CLARKSVILLE, TN—LG Electronics’ appliance assembly plant here has been named as a world-leading “Lighthouse Factory” by the World Economic Forum (WEF).

NORMAN, OK— The immediate future will hold more employment opportunities as Johnson Controls aims to increase production volume by 50% in the next year.