MUSCAT -- White-Westinghouse, one of the most well-known brands in the world, is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year, it was announced at a specially held press meet, held at their local associate's, Oman Trading Enterprises (OTE) Group, Head Office, in Ruwi, yesterday. Denoting the increased importance of the burgeoning Omani market, senior White-Westinghouse/Electrolux International officials, Bill McLaughlin, Vice-President of Marketing and Al Rauber, Director of Quality and Service, especially flew in from the US and together with Anurag Guglani, General Manager -- EHA, OTE, made up the panel addressed the media.
Westinghouse began operations in 1917 in the city of Pittsburgh, the US, under the leadership of George Westinghouse, a contemporary of Thomas Edison. The company was known as Westinghouse Electric. The first products manufactured by Westinghouse were electric ranges, followed by air-conditioners and refrigerators. Over the following years, Westinghouse created the first portable dishwasher, as well as the first front-load washing machine for the United States market.
In 1975, White Consolidated Industries purchased the appliance manufacturing division of Westinghouse Electric, creating the brand known today as White-Westinghouse. Eleven years later, in 1986, AB Electrolux of Sweden purchased White Consolidated. Over the next 21 years the WW logo has become synonymous with a full range of high quality American Appliances. A large number of White-Westinghouse products are manufactured in its own factories in North America.
Other products are produced in Electrolux factories or in partner factories under the close supervision of Electrolux/White-Westinghouse personnel. In all cases, products are manufactured to the highest quality standards in the world. Today, White-Westinghouse offers a full range of products for consumers who want reliable appliances from a trusted American brand name. From air-conditioners to refrigerators, freezers, laundry, gas and electric ranges, microwaves and dishwashers, there are hundreds of products to meet any and every need.
In 2006, White-Westinghouse also added a full line of quality Built-In products to meet the growing need for customised designs in modern kitchens. White-Westinghouse is proud of its American heritage and its association with Electrolux, one of the largest and most respected global manufacturers. Its celebration of 90 years marks an important milestone.
However, while White-Westinghouse is proud of its history, it prefers to look forward, as it develops new products and technologies for future generations. White-Westinghouse's association with OTE has been a strong partnership for 16 years. OTE is one of the market leaders in Consumer Electronics and Home Appliances here in the Sultanate and has been associated with White-Westinghouse since 1992. Through its exclusive showrooms, Souq Technia, Power Retailers and Dealers, they have showcased the White-Westinghouse brand.
By Ali Ahmed al Riyami
© Oman Daily Observer 2007
