The Retail Observer is an industry leading magazine for INDEPENDENT RETAILERS in Major Appliances, Consumer Electronics and Home Furnishings
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customers love our sleek designs, especially the '50s Retro Style appliances, so we're expecting our new dishwasher to become another customer favorite." SMEG's complete line of large and small appliances is currently available for sale in the United States. Please visit the SMEG USA website at www.smegusa.com for more information and a list of retailers. MIDEA OPENS EMERGING TECHNOLOGY CENTER IN SILICON VALLEY A leading global manufacturer of air conditioners and home appliances opens new facility dedicated to research and development Midea – a leading global player in consumer appliances, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems, as well as robot and industrial automation systems – is expanding its footprint in Silicon Valley with a new Emerging Technology Center (ETC) in San Jose, CA. The facility will focus primarily on artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, chips, sensors, and more, intending to provide technological support as Midea transforms itself from a home appliance enterprise to a high-tech industrial leader. The ETC is part of Midea's overall expansion in North America, which also includes a new customer service center and expanded corporate office spaces. Midea plans to invest $250 million dollars in the Silicon Valley ETC over the next five years. A grand opening ceremony is being held today at the ETC, with Dr. Ziqiang Hu, vice president and chief technology officer of Midea Group and president of Midea Corporate Research Center, and Dr. Dongyan Wang, vice president and general manager of the ETC, both scheduled to speak. Additional speakers will include the mayor of San Jose, Sam Liccardo, and officers from Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in San Francisco. "Technology and innovation never stand still, so it's essential that Midea keeps driving ahead to remain globally competitive," said Hu. "The new ETC will leverage the creative energy in Silicon Valley to help Midea to continue to grow and deliver innovative products to its customers." The addition of the ETC is part of Midea's global corporate strategy to expand its U.S. presence and to leverage Silicon Valley's ecosystem, which is focused on innovation and development. It is Midea's second research and development center in the U.S., following the launch of the Midea America Research Center (MARC), which is located in Louisville, KY. Midea has also established research centers in Japan, Italy, and Germany, with other locations on the horizon. Through continuous scientific research and a more balanced global development strategy, Midea will become a world-class leader in both products and technology. "I'm impressed by Midea's high speed, high efficiency, and pragmatic style. My superior, CTO Dr. Hu, has always been supportive of my only request upon joining, which is to manage the Silicon Valley team with the Silicon Valley style, recruit the best talent, and to provide world-leading technology and innovation," said Dr. Dongyan Wang, vice president and general manager of the ETC. "The ETC vows to provide a unique experience and become a driving force for Midea's globalization. We will continue to expand our R&D investment, and recruit more local, high-end talent. The main focus of the ETC will be on AI technology including AI for Midea products (smart home, intelligence manufacturing, and robotics) and enterprise business applications (sales, marketing, service, supply chain, etc.), computer vision, natural language processing, advanced data science, value mining, magnetic suspension, as well as other products research and development." Please visit www.us.midea.com for additional information on Midea and its portfolio of products. Midea ETC Ceremony (left to right): Dr. Dongyan Wang, Dr. Ziqiang Hu, Sam Liccardo and Hongxia Wang celebrate the Center. Midea ETC: Midea's New Emerging Technology Center in San Jose, CA officially opened its doors on April 27, 2017. JUNE 2017 RETAILOBSERVER.COM 17