A New Era for Europe's Industries: Beko's Plea for a United, Forward-Thinking Strategy
Industrial powerhouses, led by Beko, advocate for a unified industrial policy aligned with climate goals at the Clean Industrial Deal symposium.
As Europe steps into a new industrial policy era, Beko, the continent's largest home appliance manufacturer, is mobilizing support for a more powerful, unified approach. At the forefront of the Deal, Beko stresses the necessity of ensuring that industries investing in decarbonization, energy efficiency, and innovation can remain competitive on the global stage.
Rooted in energy efficiency, sustainability, and responsible innovation, Beko champions a progressive industrial strategy that transcends regulation and focuses on substantial investment in clean technology, robust supply chains, and competitive manufacturing.
"Europe demand a fearless, investment-based industrial strategy and regulatory framework—one that permits companies to prosper. The Clean Industrial Deal presents a turning point for Europe's industrial future. But it must hold true to its promise of making Europe a leader in green and competitive industries—without jeopardizing our manufacturing base. It's crucial for the European Commission to use this opportunity to traverse Europe's industrial landscape and recognize the role the home appliances sector can play as a strategic catalyst for Europe's climate and industrial aspiration. The home appliances sector is a vital industry—not only as a major employer and driver of innovation but also as a key champion for supply chain resilience and a direct contributor to energy efficiency in every EU household. Energy-efficient appliances constitute one of the quickest and most cost-effective means to slash emissions, trim energy bills, and bolster the clean energy transition. To expedite progress towards climate neutrality, the EU should elevate support for the industry by catalyzing investment incentives and ensuring a level playing field in international trade." asserts Hakan Bulgurlu, CEO of Beko and President of APPLiA.
As a global manufacturing titan, Beko acknowledges its pivotal role in decarbonization efforts. Energy efficiency, often the foundation of the clean energy transition, is a top concern for Beko. Currently, energy-efficient appliances account for over 70% of Beko's units produced and generate the lion's share of its revenue.
"Companies frequently grapple between profit and responsibility—Beko, however, serves as evidence that a balanced strategy makes sound business sense. We've already demonstrated leadership in sustainable innovation—our products save energy, minimize waste, and align with the Green Deal. But we can't triumph alone. We urge Europe to shift from impromptu regulations to proactive investments in its industrial sector. Targeted incentives for embracing renewable energy, manufacturing infrastructure, and sustainable product development will play a critical part in securing the bloc's competitive future." concludes Hakan Bulgurlu.
Beko operates two of the largest home appliance factories in continental Europe—located in Romania. The Găești factory has churned out over 44 million refrigerators since its inception, while the Ulmi washing machine factory, the first Industry 4.0 plant in Romania, boasts cutting-edge robotics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and process automation technologies. Over 5 million units have been produced within the Ulmi production unit so far. Owing to its exceptional efforts in environmental protection and resource consumption, the Ulmi production unit was bestowed the Sustainability Lighthouse status by the World Economic Forum (WEF), recognizing its sustainability achievements. Beko Romania continues to play a strategic role within the group, exporting 84% of its total production to over 80 countries, thereby epitomizing "Made in Romania" products in the global market.
Beko Europe: Creating a Sustainable Future
Beko Europe is a leading home appliance company dedicated to ameliorating its consumers' lives through a diversified range of innovative and sustainable products and solutions. Owned by Beko B.V. (75%) and Whirlpool Corporation (25%), Beko Europe offers a portfolio of 16 brands catering to various home appliance needs across Europe. In Romania, it provides the Arctic, Beko, Whirlpool, Hotpoint, Ariston and Indesit brands.
Inspired by its parent company's 70-year legacy of innovation, Beko Europe prioritizes sustainability within the home. Leveraging advanced technology, skilled human resources, and robust manufacturing capabilities, Beko Europe seeks to contribute to a better tomorrow. Focusing on people-centric solutions, the company seamlessly merges functionality, sustainability, and alluring design to surpass consumer expectations across multiple product segments. Aligned with the Paris Agreement and the Science-Based Targets initiative, Beko Europe supports its parent company's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The company's commitment to sustainability has been globally acclaimed, earning it the highest score in the DHP Household Durables Industry for six consecutive years in the Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment.
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**Source Euromonitor International Limited; Consumer Appliances 2025 edition, Beko Corp, Large Appliances as per "Major Appliances", GBO, retail volume, 2024 data.
The Clean Industrial Deal: A Growth Engine for Europe
Presented in July 2024 by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the Clean Industrial Deal (CID) outlines a plan for the sustainable evolution of Europe's industry, focusing on decarbonizing the EU economy while preserving competitiveness. The strategy aims to narrow the innovation gap between Europe and economies like the US and China, concurrently combating climate change and fostering economic growth, and reducing dependence on raw materials and technologies from external sources.
The CID was unveiled during an event in Antwerp, Belgium, on Feb 26, 2025. The event attracted European industry leaders who engaged in discussions with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on the new pact. Hakan Bulgurlu represented the home appliance industry as CEO of Beko and President of APPLiA, the European association of the home appliance industry.
The CID represents a transformative shift for EU businesses, particularly those in energy-intensive sectors. It aims to expedite regulatory procedures and support the development of clean technologies. The plan includes measures to streamline permitting, bidding, and planning processes, bolstered by substantial investments in renewable energy, hydrogen networks, CO2 capture and transport infrastructure, and the digitalization of energy systems.
*This is a Press release.
- Beko, the continent's largest home appliance manufacturer, is advocating for a unified, forward-thinking industrial approach in Europe, emphasizing the importance of decarbonization, energy efficiency, and innovation in maintaining competitiveness on the global stage.
- In line with Beko's industrial strategy, the company invests substantially in clean technology, robust supply chains, and competitive manufacturing, rooted in energy efficiency and sustainability.
- Hakan Bulgurlu, CEO of Beko and President of APPLiA, urges Europe to transition from impromptu regulations to proactive investments in its industrial sector, advocating for targeted incentives for embracing renewable energy, manufacturing infrastructure, and sustainable product development.
- Beko operates two of the most advanced home appliance factories in Europe, located in Romania, exporting 84% of its total production to over 80 countries, thus embodying the "Made in Romania" label on the global market.
- Aligned with the Paris Agreement and the Science-Based Targets initiative, Beko Europe, a leading home appliance company, supports its parent company's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, contributing to a better tomorrow through innovative, sustainable products and solutions.
