Gorenje ; stylized as gorenje), is a major appliance manufacturer which is a subsidiary of Chinese state-owned corporation Hisense. It is based in Velenje, Slovenia. With a continent-wide market share of 4%, it is one of the eight largest manufacturers of home appliances in Europe. Appliances are sold under company's own brands Gorenje, Mora, Atag, Pelgrim, Etna, Körting and Sidex, and are produced in the main production facility in Velenje as well as at the cooking appliances plant Mora Moravia in Mariánské Údolí and at the fridge-freezer plant in Valjevo. Since the company’s beginnings in 1950, Gorenje has expanded into a multinational corporation and the Gorenje Group includes 83 subsidiary companies, 59 of which are located outside Slovenia. In addition to household appliances, Gorenje manufactures ceramics, kitchen and bathroom furniture, and provides services in the fields of energy, ecology and trade. Its products for home, services and companies are present in over 70 countries, mostly in Europe. It cooperates with Swarovski, Pininfarina, Karim Rashid, and Ora-Ïto. In June 2018, Hisense acquired 95% majority in Gorenje Group.
History
1950s–1960s
In 1950, Gorenje was established by Ivan Atelšek in a village Gorenje. Initially the company manufactured agricultural machinery. In 1958, Gorenje started producing solid-fuel cookers. In 1960, the company was relocated to the nearby town of Velenje. In 1961, Gorenje exported the first 200 cookers to Germany. In 1964, Gorenje started producing washing machines under the license from Zanussi. The first washing machines were PS 270 and PS 275. A total of 10,886 units were produced until the end of 1966. These two models were only assembled in former Yugoslavia, as all parts and components came from Italy. Other well-known models include PS 603, PS 652, PS 653, PS 653 Bio, and PS 653 R. In 1969, the production of refrigerators was launched.
1970–1980s
During the 1970s, the product range was expanded to kitchen units, ceramics, medical equipment, telecommunications devices, TV sets and other electrical goods. Gorenje continued its expansion and employed over 20,000 people during the 1970s. It also began establishing a distribution and sales network in Western Europe and Australia. In 1980s, Gorenje narrowed its focus on production of domestic appliances. Also, the UK and the USA are added to the export market network during the 1980s.
In 2000, the first appliances collection designed by the Italian design studio Pininfarina is launched. In 2004, a new laundry range launched featuring a model with a touchscreen control panel and 2000RPM spin. In 2005, Gorenje took over the Czech manufacturer of kitchen ranges Mora Moravia. In 2006, several new facilities were opened. A new refrigerator and freezer plant was opened in Valjevo, a water heater and radiator plant is opened in Stara Pazova. Also, the second collection of household appliances Gorenje Pininfarina, designed by the Italian designer studio Pininfarina, was launched. The fridge freezer made with CRYSTALLIZEDTM - Swarovski Elements was launched. Also, the cooperation with the French star designer Ora-Ïto was announced. In 2007, the Gorenje Ora-Ïto Collection is launched in Istanbul. The first Gorenje Pink Oldtimer is sold at the charity auction for raising money in a campaign cancer. In 2008, Gorenje continued its cooperation with Pininfarina and launches the Gorenje Pininfarina Black collection. The top-notch Dutch provider of white goods ATAG was acquired. Also, Gorenje took part at the Internationale Funkausstellung Berlin fair in Berlin, unveiling its innovative fridge-freezer Gorenje "Made for iPod." The Gorenje Ora-Ïto White collection of appliances was launched. In 2009, Gorenje participates at the Milan Design Week presenting Mini hot plate Mrs. Dalloway, Gorenje designed by Nika Zupanc.
2010s
In 2010, Gorenje took over Swedish appliance manufacturer Asko. In 2013, Gorenje sold a 13% stake in the firm to Japanese powerhouse Panasonic for around €10 million. In June 2018, the Chinese company Hisense became the majority shareholder in Gorenje Group with 95.42%. A total of 5,165 shareholders accepted the takeover bid of 12 euros per share, which valued the company at 293 million euros.
From 1954, for this company, there have been four different logos. The first logo of company is used from 1954 to 1963, the second logo is used from 1963 to 1971, the third logo is used from 1971 to 1977, and the fourth and current logo is in use from 1977.
