Feature Articles
page 20
Product Review - Air Treatment Appliances
Air Treatment Appliances
page 27
The Open Door
Implementing Toyota’s Product Development System
by Michael N. Kennedy, consultant
Most people involved in manufacturing today are well versed in the Toyota Production System—the basis of lean production.
page 36
53rd Annual Appliance Industry Forecasts
North America - A Steady Climb
by Jill Russell, Associate Editor
The U.S. economy seems to be back on track for 2005 after waiting it out for 3 years. After a recession in 2001, slight growth in 2002, and only moderate growth in 2003, the pace finally accelerated in 2004, resulting in a strong and steady year.
page 36
53rd Annual Appliance Industry Forecasts
North America - Canada's Strong Outlook
by Jill Russell, Associate Editor
The Canadian economy is also anticipating a strong 2005.
page 36
53rd Annual Appliance Industry Forecasts
North America - Major Appliance Issues
by Jill Russell, Associate Editor
As anticipated, the U.S. major appliance industry reported healthy shipments in 2004, and optimism continues to dominate the segment, as shipments are forecast to increase yet again in 2005.
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53rd Annual Appliance Industry Forecasts
North America - HVAC Heats Up & Cools Off
by Jill Russell, Associate Editor
page 36
53rd Annual Appliance Industry Forecasts
North America - Housewares' Big Ideas
by Jill Russell, Associate Editor
While homeowners were busy selecting appliances for their new homes and remodels, the small appliance industry experienced a very uncertain year.
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53rd Annual Appliance Industry Forecasts
North America - Is Lawn & Garden Running Out of Gas?
by Jill Russell, Associate Editor
The outdoor power equipment industry experienced steady growth along with the housing industry as homeowners invested to maintain the outside of their homes.
page 36
Market Research
53rd Annual Appliance Industry Forecasts Shipment Statistics
The Forecast of the Appliance Industry is a two-part report, consisting of qualitative and quantitative sections. No revenue information is included. The report includes a qualitative section - a feature story that describes the trends in the appliance industry. Industry experts and executives were interviewed for this article. The Forecast also includes a quantitative section, which reports the forecasts of unit factory shipments for approximately 150 appliance products (listed below). The information is tabulated as extended forecasts (years 2005-2007).
page 47
53rd Annual Appliance Industry Forecasts
Latin America: Partnering With Asia
by BJ Spanos, Contributing Editor
Anxious to open new markets and gain access to the region’s natural resources, Asia has been paying court this year to Latin America, with promises of direct foreign investments and bilateral free trade agreements.
page 47
53rd Annual Appliance Industry Forecasts
Latin America: Movements in Mexico
by BJ Spanos, Contributing Editor
2004 was a challenge, but major new appliance industry investments will help spur the appliance industry in Mexico.
page 50
53rd Annual Appliance Industry Forecasts
Europe - The European Appliance Industry Is Feeling the Pressure
by BJ Spanos, Contributing Editor
Rising raw material prices, continuing fears of price erosion, increasingly unreliable supply sources, and shrinking margins have the European appliance industry feeling the pressure.
page 50
53rd Annual Appliance Industry Forecasts
Europe - The Impact of European Legislation
by BJ Spanos, Contributing Editor
page 52
53rd Annual Appliance Industry Forecasts
Asia's Strategies for 2005
by BJ Spanos, Contributing Editor
Significant price erosions of recent years seem to be stabilizing in the face of shrinking margins.
page 52
53rd Annual Appliance Industry Forecasts
Asia’s Mixed Bag Continues
by BJ Spanos, Contributing Editor
When reviewing the 2004 economic performance in Asia and looking ahead to 2005, there continues to be a mix of good and bad news.
page 56
Appliance Industry Association Forecasts - Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration Institute
2005 Outlook is Bright
by William G. Sutton, president, Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration Institute (ARI)
For the first time ever, manufacturer shipments of central air-conditioners and air source heat pumps—buoyed by continued growth in housing and coupled with a strong replacement market—are expected to exceed 7.2 million units. Year-end figures, due out in February, may show that shipments in 2004 eclipsed the 6,807,262 units shipped in 2003 by more than 5 percent to achieve a third consecutive record year.
page 58
Appliance Industry Association Forecasts - Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers
AHAM 2005 Forecast
by Joseph M. McGuire, president, Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM)
Home appliance makers are prepared for 2005 with individual company goals and plans. Competitively they will engage and collectively they will continue to deliver value and innovation to the consumer. Manufacturer strategies must stand up against many factors that cannot be predicted in January. These include the health of the economy, interest rates, consumer confidence, the weather, costs of materials, energy, and the like.
page 60
Appliance Industry Association Forecasts - Consumer Electronics Association
A Bright Future Beckons
by Gary Shapiro, president, Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)
I am proud to be part of an industry that not only is exciting and dynamic, but also profoundly shapes the world with its products and technologies. We’ve redefined work and play. And we’ll continue to lead the way to fulfill demand for more access to information, entertainment, and education for people around the globe.
page 62
Appliance Industry Association Forecasts - Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association
Taking Action for a Healthy 2005
by Evan R. Gaddis, president, Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association (GAMA)
It is always a challenge to forecast how our industries will fare in the coming year. Like Dr. Niels Bohr of nuclear physics fame, I firmly believe that “prediction is very difficult, especially about the future.” With apologies to Dr. Bohr, I will nevertheless hazard a few projections.
page 65
Appliance Industry Association Forecasts - International Housewares Association
Raw Material Hikes Make Innovation a “Must” in 2005
by Philip Brandl, president, International Housewares Association (IHA)
The year 2004 looked to be on solid ground mid-way through the fourth quarter, and the mood for 2005 is conservatively optimistic among IHA’s small appliance members.
page 66
Appliance Industry Association Forecasts - Outdoor Power Equipment Institute
Moderate Growth Expected in 2005
by William G. Harley, president and CEO, Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI)
Strong retail sales and consumption spending in the past year indicate that consumers are actively participating in the marketplace. Moreover, considering energy prices and the soft labor market, this is encouraging and likely translates into moderate sustainable growth over the long run.
page 74
Materials Forecast 2005
Coatings
by David Simpson, Contributing Editor
Price pressures impact coatings - petroleum-based and porcelain enamel.
page 74
Materials Forecast 2005
Moving Metals
by David Simpson, Contributing Editor
Perhaps nowhere more than in steel has the ferment in commodities been evident.
page 74
Materials Forecast 2005
Plastics Suppliers' Double Trouble
by David Simpson, Contributing Editor
page 74
Materials Forecast 2005
Refrigerator Issues
by David Simpson, Contributing Editor
As refrigerators and other appliances continue to feature improved energy efficiency, polyurethane (PU) insulation has played an important role. Unfortunately, as with other materials, it was unable to escape turmoil.
page 74
Materials Forecast 2005
Glass Surcharges
by David Simpson, Contributing Editor
page 83
Exhibitor Highlights - International AHR Expo
Exhibitor Highlights - International AHR Expo 2005
Scheduled to take place on February 7-9 in Orlando, FL, U.S., the 2005 International AHR Expo is expected to be one of largest events in the exposition’s 75-year history. |
