Electrolux announces the creation of its first Innovation Factory, an inspirational space which will serve as the Group’s hub for collaborating with external partners. The initiative aims for Electrolux to accelerate their innovation in manufacturing processes as well as product development.
Publicised calls for proposals and partners as well as specific project briefs will be regularly announced on the Electrolux Innovation Factory website with the first call to be made in May.
“This collaborative space will drive open innovation and generate a multitude of great ideas that will lead to new value for our consumers,” said Jan Brockmann, Electrolux Chief Operations Officer. “We’re truly excited about how this will help us combine the global scale of Electrolux with the agility of our partners.” Located in a refurbished building within Electrolux manufacturing site in Porcia, northern Italy, the Electrolux Innovation Factory will provide an agile, open environment. Solutions can be tested instantly at production lines and R&D centres next door. This will then speed up the pace of innovation and execution.
Through collaboration, the Electrolux Innovation Factory will facilitate alliances between suppliers, customers, incubators, startups, universities, SMEs, and other business partners. It will be a “shared” lab where people can work together in an open space of innovation. The facility will include demonstration and test areas for both product and process solutions. For example, a “Fab Lab” (Fabrication Lab) will explore 3D printing and other advanced systems such as testing collaborative robot (COBOTS) integration and innovative wearable technologies for operators in Electrolux factories.
The Electrolux Innovation Factory in Porcia will be used as a starting test bed, which can be replicated by setting up similar collaborative spaces at other locations around the world. The aim is to build a lively co-working space where everyone can learn from each other regardless of experience and expertise level.