Electrolux's North American laundry products head to N.C.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Electrolux will relocate its North American laundry products research and development center to Charlotte, N.C., from Webster City, Iowa.



The move signals the company’s commitment to further product innovation in its fabric care business and builds on the design, testing and marketing capabilities that already exist in its Charlotte-based North American headquarters.



“Electrolux is driving a strong pace of new product innovation to continually create consumer value,” said Chris Harris, VP of laundry and dish care products, Electrolux Major Appliances North America. “We are increasing our R&D investment, moving closer to major science, engineering and technology universities and leveraging on the state-of-the-art research facilities that we already have in Charlotte.”



Electrolux will bring 80 research and development jobs to the city, growing its local employment to more than 800. The new positions will include engineering, product design and testing. Despite challenges in the economy, the company continues to outperform the U.S. home appliance industry.



Product design and testing will be discontinued at the company’s Webster City, Iowa, facility in the third quarter of 2013.



“This was a difficult but necessary decision,” Harris added. “The company is committed to assisting our Webster City employees and we are making this announcement nearly a year in advance to help with the transition."