Whirlpool prepares shake-up for Polar and possible purchase of Wrozamet

Today, Whirlpool will present the company's strategy concerning Polar, a household equipment producer from Wroclaw. Polar, which was recently taken over by the American concern, is on the verge of bankruptcy, although at the beginning of the 1990s Polar controlled 90% of the household goods market. Whirlpool will probably cease producing Polar's washing machines, as the sales of these continue to fall. The production of refrigerators is likely to continue due to their popularity. Polar's fridges constitute 19% of the market, followed by Amica with 17%. Whirlpool occupies the third position with less than 13%. American capital may improve the position of Polar, although Whirlpool plans to sell the company's real estate in the center of Wroclaw and to move production outside the city altogether. To strengthen its market position, Whirlpool may decide to take over another Wroclaw-based company, Wrozamet, which manufacturers cookers and ovens under the Mastercook brand name. (Puls Biznesu, p. 11) K.Z.