LG Electronics Opens First U.S. Home Appliance R&D Center for Innovative Appliance Testing

BUFFALO GROVE, Ill., Sept. 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- LG Electronics USA today officially opened its first Home Appliance Research & Development Center in the United States. Located in Buffalo Grove, Ill., the $6.5 million R&D Center will provide low-volume, high-precision product testing and consumer research using state-of-the-art methodologies and technologies.

"The Home Appliance R&D Center represents LG's commitment to meeting the needs of its customers in the U.S., ensuring the highest degree of efficiency is met," said Y. H. Lee, president and CEO of the LG Home Appliance Company. "The Center is a platform for LG to help assure that LG appliances meet or exceed industry standards, explore new technologies and, most importantly, drive innovation for next-generation products."

The 30,770-square-foot R&D Center has the capability of testing hundreds of appliances annually and is the last stop before LG products begin production. The 15,350 square-foot first floor is dedicated to major appliance testing including refrigerators, washing machines, clothes dryers, ovens, ranges, cooktops, microwave ovens, dishwashers and vacuum cleaners. It houses state-of-the-art testing equipment such as a climate-controlled chamber specifically designed to test refrigerator-freezers, consistent with test procedures prescribed by the U.S. Department of Energy.

A Consumer Insights Lab features top-notch residential kitchen, laundry room and living room spaces, designed to provide consumers with hands on experiences using LG appliances. A field focus group discussion area allows consumers to share their reactions to the appliances, ensuring LG produces the highest quality products that meet the needs of its U.S. customers.

The second floor houses a fully functioning video studio and residential kitchen where video content is created for consumers and service technicians. Videos include product and cooking demonstrations and lifestyle hints conducted by LG home economists and customer support technicians. The professionally produced video series will be available on LG's website in the coming weeks. The Center's offices and administrative facilities are also on the second floor, where currently 39 employees work; LG expects to expand the staff over the next 12-18 months.

"Providing the greatest benefit and value to our customers is a key aspect of our new R&D Center," said Heejin Lee, senior director of the Home Appliance R&D Center, LG Home Appliance Company. "By utilizing our advanced resources efficiently, we strive to develop the best products that meet the highest expectations, specific to our U.S. customers."

Further enhancing LG's commitment to sustainability and quality, the LG R&D Center tests products against industry guidelines set by Underwriters Laboratory (UL), UL Environment (ULE), the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). To meet these standards, the appliances are subjected to rigorous testing for performance, energy efficiency, water usage, safety and quality.

"As part of our goal to become the most sustainable consumer products company in the world, LG worked with the Carbon Fund Foundation on carbon offsets for the Buffalo Grove facility," said Wayne Park, president and CEO of LG Electronics USA, who came from LG's North American headquarters in New Jersey to cut the ribbon on the new facility. "We are pleased to announce the new facility has CarbonFree Partner status."

About LG Electronics USA

LG Electronics USA, Inc., based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., is the North American subsidiary of LG Electronics, Inc., a $48 billion global force and technology leader in consumer electronics, home appliances and mobile communications. In the United States, LG Electronics sells a range of stylish and innovative home entertainment products, mobile phones, home appliances, commercial displays, air conditioning systems and solar energy solutions, all under LG's "Life's Good" marketing theme. For more information, please visit www.lg.com.

About LG Electronics, Inc.

LG Electronics, Inc. (KSE: 066570.KS) is a global leader and technology innovator in consumer electronics, mobile communications and home appliances, employing more than 93,000 people working in over 120 operations around the world. With 2010 global sales of KRW 55.8 trillion (USD 48.2 billion), LG comprises four business units – Home Entertainment, Mobile Communications, Home Appliance, and Air Conditioning & Energy Solutions. LG is one of the world's leading producers of flat panel TVs, mobile devices, air conditioners, washing machines and refrigerators.

About LG Electronics Home Appliance Company

The LG Electronics Home Appliance Company is an innovator in the home appliance industry, dedicated to offering healthier and greener products, blending smart technology and trend-setting design and providing a complete solution for improving daily life. LG's insightful products, including refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, cooking appliances, vacuum cleaners, and built-in appliances, are designed to resonate with consumers around the world. LG's innovative technologies and convenient features, including the world's first interactive refrigerator, steam washing machine and combination oven and microwave, set new trends in the appliance industry, helping to establish LG as a global leader.

SOURCE LG Electronics USA, Inc.