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[🇧🇩] Electronics and Home Appliances Industry in Bangladesh

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Orion Industries started production last year on LED TVs, Medium-sized Refrigerators and Split A/C (Aircon) units. Factory is located in Bhaluka in Mymensingh.

Although not as backward-integrated or massive and automated as Walton's operation, they still boast CNC Sheetmetal bender automation, vac-forming and other extrusion technologies for refrigerators and aircons. They are in the medium tier of almost two dozen home-appliance and white-goods electronics manufacturers and exporters in Bangladesh. Although currently engaged in import-substitution work, this home appliances sector is very promising as the next export thrust-sector after the usual Pharma, leather goods and shipbuilding sectors.

 
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Walton made the future of Bangladesh in manufacturing hi-tech products: German envoy
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Jun 27, 2024 18:30
Updated :
Jun 27, 2024 18:30

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A high-level delegation from the German Embassy in Dhaka visited Bangladesh's electronics giant Walton Hi-Tech Park.
At the press briefing after the visit, German Ambassador (Charge De Affairs) Jan Rolf-Janowski said, ''Walton is producing top-notch hi-tech products. Today I have seen Walton's state-of-the art production facility with own eyes. And, I have seen the future of Bangladesh in manufacturing hi-tech products, value-addition and backward linkage products.''

He assured Walton of continuing all the support provided by the German Embassy in expanding the market in Europe, according to a media release.

On Thursday morning, a delegation team from the German Embassy in Dhaka visited Walton Hi-Tech Park at Chandra in Gazipur. The delegation team, led by Jan Rolf-Janowski, included German Embassy's Economic Cooperation Department's Adviser Redita Rokib, German Investment and Development Company (DEG) Representatives in Dhaka Faiyaz Hossain and Fahmeda Ahmed.

Walton Hi-Tech Industries PLC's Additional Managing Director (AMD) and Chief Financial Officer Md Ziaul Alam FCA, Deputy Managing Director Yousuf Ali and Walton AC's Chief Business Officer (CBO) Md Tanvir Rahman welcomed the German Embassy's delegates with flower bouquet.

Among others, Walton's Senior Executive Director Mohammad Arif Iqbal Khan, Shahinur Sultana Rekha and Major (Retd) Zahidul Hasan, Executive Directors Shahana Akhter Shampa and Mohasin Ali Molla, Walton AC's Deputy CBO Sondip Biswas, Walton Commercial AC Research and Innovation (R&I) Center's Shamim Akhter Mugdho were also present.

At Walton Hi-Tech Park, the delegates visited Walton's state-of-the art manufacturing plants of various products. During the visit, they were impressed by witnessing the revolution of Bangladesh in the manufacturing of electrical, electronics and hi-tech products.

During the visit, the German Envoy inaugurated a new model of Air Cooled Modular Inverter Chiller AC. Walton's new model of this chiller AC is suitable for use in large establishments including hotels-motels, hospitals, airports, theaters. In Bangladesh, Walton is the pioneer of manufacturing Inverter Chiller AC. Environmental-friendly R-32a refrigerant is used in this AC. Built with high-energy efficient ratio, this Walton AC has a micro-processor based smart control system.

Walton's AMD Ziaul Alam FCA said, major portions of Bangladesh's export earnings come from Europe, especially from Germany. After the readymade garments, Bangladesh's electronics and technology products is the most promising export earnings in the European market.

Currently, Walton is exporting products to more than 12 European countries, including Germany, the release adds.​
 

Walton made the future of Bangladesh in manufacturing hi-tech products: German envoy
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Jun 27, 2024 18:30
Updated :
Jun 27, 2024 18:30

View attachment 6641
A high-level delegation from the German Embassy in Dhaka visited Bangladesh's electronics giant Walton Hi-Tech Park.
At the press briefing after the visit, German Ambassador (Charge De Affairs) Jan Rolf-Janowski said, ''Walton is producing top-notch hi-tech products. Today I have seen Walton's state-of-the art production facility with own eyes. And, I have seen the future of Bangladesh in manufacturing hi-tech products, value-addition and backward linkage products.''

He assured Walton of continuing all the support provided by the German Embassy in expanding the market in Europe, according to a media release.

On Thursday morning, a delegation team from the German Embassy in Dhaka visited Walton Hi-Tech Park at Chandra in Gazipur. The delegation team, led by Jan Rolf-Janowski, included German Embassy's Economic Cooperation Department's Adviser Redita Rokib, German Investment and Development Company (DEG) Representatives in Dhaka Faiyaz Hossain and Fahmeda Ahmed.

Walton Hi-Tech Industries PLC's Additional Managing Director (AMD) and Chief Financial Officer Md Ziaul Alam FCA, Deputy Managing Director Yousuf Ali and Walton AC's Chief Business Officer (CBO) Md Tanvir Rahman welcomed the German Embassy's delegates with flower bouquet.

Among others, Walton's Senior Executive Director Mohammad Arif Iqbal Khan, Shahinur Sultana Rekha and Major (Retd) Zahidul Hasan, Executive Directors Shahana Akhter Shampa and Mohasin Ali Molla, Walton AC's Deputy CBO Sondip Biswas, Walton Commercial AC Research and Innovation (R&I) Center's Shamim Akhter Mugdho were also present.

At Walton Hi-Tech Park, the delegates visited Walton's state-of-the art manufacturing plants of various products. During the visit, they were impressed by witnessing the revolution of Bangladesh in the manufacturing of electrical, electronics and hi-tech products.

During the visit, the German Envoy inaugurated a new model of Air Cooled Modular Inverter Chiller AC. Walton's new model of this chiller AC is suitable for use in large establishments including hotels-motels, hospitals, airports, theaters. In Bangladesh, Walton is the pioneer of manufacturing Inverter Chiller AC. Environmental-friendly R-32a refrigerant is used in this AC. Built with high-energy efficient ratio, this Walton AC has a micro-processor based smart control system.

Walton's AMD Ziaul Alam FCA said, major portions of Bangladesh's export earnings come from Europe, especially from Germany. After the readymade garments, Bangladesh's electronics and technology products is the most promising export earnings in the European market.

Currently, Walton is exporting products to more than 12 European countries, including Germany, the release adds.​
Walton is always one step ahead of every other company in Bangladesh in developing import substitution product, especially in the Industrial HVAC space in a hot country like Bangladesh. Kudos to them for increasing the technical skillset, saving the country some valuable foreign exchange and also utilizing local suppliers and labor to add value in this market. Here is their Modular Air-Cooled Scroll Chiller (Heat Pump) with the following features. They have ISO 14001:2004, ISO 9001:2008 and OHSAS 18001:2007 QC and Occupational health certification for their Refrigerators & Air Conditioner Division.
  • Modular design, flexible combination
  • Backup function
  • Alternative cycle duty operation
  • Intelligent defrosting technology
  • High efficiency heat exchanger technology
  • EXV precise flow control using Microprocessor technology
  • Reliable ground fault circuit protection
  • Easy transportation and installation
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By the way, Walton also quietly introduced locally manufactured Wi-Fi CCTV cameras and accessories, in addition to IP and HD CCTV cameras.

Here are their CCTV security camera offerings,

 
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Rancon rolls out high-end LG TVs made in Bangladesh
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Romo Rouf Chowdhury, fifth from left, group managing director of Rancon Group, and Jae Seung Kim, fourth from right, regional CEO of LG Electronics, pose for photographs after the launch of Rancon Electronics' LG manufacturing facility at the Rancon Industrial Park in Gazipur's Bhabanipur yesterday. Sung Hoo Chung, managing director for Singapore at LG Electronics, Yongil Ko, managing director for Bangladesh, and Farhana Karim, managing director of Rancon Holdings, were also present. Photo: Rashed Shumon

Local conglomerate Rancon Electronics has begun manufacturing and selling LG-branded high-end televisions, providing customers with products at cost-effective prices in the fast-expanding smart TV market in Bangladesh.

Rancon has already set up a manufacturing facility in partnership with South Korean multinational LG Electronics, one of the largest electronics manufacturers in the world known for innovation and quality.

For Bangladeshi consumers, the partnership means access to advanced, premium-quality yet affordable smart TVs, enhancing their viewing experience.

On the back of the collaboration, Rancon, which is diversifying its manufacturing prowess from home electronics to automotive, aims to strengthen its production capabilities and market footprint.

"LG is a strong brand, and we want to elevate the LG brand in Bangladesh to new heights," said Romo Rouf Chowdhury, group managing director of Rancon.

Rancon has already set up a manufacturing facility in partnership with South Korean multinational LG Electronics, one of the largest electronics manufacturers in the world known for innovation and quality.

"We will also strive to make LG extremely affordable among Bangladeshi customers while providing the highest quality of products and services."

He was speaking while inaugurating Rancon Electronics' LG manufacturing facility at the Rancon Industrial Park in Gazipur's Bhabanipur yesterday.

Jae Seung Kim, regional CEO of LG Electronics, Sung Hoo Chung, its managing director for Singapore, Yongil Ko, managing director for Bangladesh, and Farhana Karim, managing director of Rancon Holdings, were present.

"We, at Rancon, are excited. We are thrilled to announce the inauguration of LG TV manufacturing under the LG licence," said Chowdhury.

"LG is a well-known international brand, and everyone is aware of LG's brand and the quality of TVs they manufacture."

The manufacturing under the licence from LG means that TVs produced in Bangladesh will maintain the same quality and standards as those made anywhere else in the world.

Chowdhury shared how LG TVs manufactured by Rancon will meet global standards.

"At Rancon, we have been manufacturing TVs for almost 10 years for other brands and our own brand. Since our official association with LG, we have established a new factory and a new production line, and put in place new standards that meet LG's exceptionally high requirements."

He added: "LG TVs are being manufactured here in a completely dust-free environment. To maintain such sophisticated processes, we have made significant investments in our facility. Therefore, there will be no difference between imported LG TVs and those manufactured in Bangladesh."

For LG Electronics, a global market leader in OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) TVs, the partnership expands its presence in the country. By leveraging Rancon's local expertise, it will tap into the growing market.

"At LG Electronics, we are constantly looking for ways to expand our TV business, diversify our production, and increase our capacities," said Jae Seung Kim.

"The new facility will allow us to pursue customers here," he said, adding local manufacturing will facilitate technology transfer and create new jobs.

He said LG Electronics' partnership with Rancon demonstrates the power of collaboration to drive innovation.

"We are extremely optimistic about our long-term partnership with Rancon Group. Together, I believe, we can set new standards in manufacturing and contribute significantly to the growth of Bangladesh's economy."

Kim praised Rancon, saying it has earned a reputation for its excellence in manufacturing.

"They work with renowned automotive brands like Mitsubishi and Suzuki. They have demonstrated a commitment to quality and innovation in home electronics, which is truly impressive."

He said Bangladesh has tremendous potential for growth in the electronics market. "That's why we are committed to expanding our presence here and offering our innovative products to customers."

The regional CEO of LG Electronics said it is inspiring to see LG's OLED, NanoCell and UHD TVs being produced at the Rancon facility.

Set up in 1979, Rancon has evolved into a robust group with 32 business units, employing more than 4,000 people. Known for its strong presence in the trading business until 2010, it has since invested heavily in manufacturing.

At the 700,000-square-foot sprawling manufacturing units at the park, Rancon produces motorcycles, refrigerators and TVs.

"We will also be manufacturing automobiles soon," announced Chowdhury.

The complex also boasts a rooftop solar power plant, generating 1.5 megawatts of electricity, a testament to the group's commitment to establishing a green factory.

"We manufacture under licences from many internationally renowned brands, and our commitment to consumers in Bangladesh is to offer high-quality products at reasonable prices," he said.

Rangs eMart launches LG OLED C3

Rangs eMart, a sister concern of Rancon Holdings Limited, rolled out LG OLED C3 from the latest TV series of the South Korean conglomerate. The event was held at its Gulshan-2 showroom in Dhaka.

"We prioritise customer preferences in every product we create. As always, we have brought these smart TVs with new features and cutting-edge technologies to the market. We hope to get a positive response from customers," said Kim.

"Our commitment to innovation and sustainability drives us to create products that not only enhance everyday living but also contribute to a better future."

The new range of televisions spans four series and includes the models: 65-inch OLED C3, 55-inch OLED C3, 55-inch QNED80, 75-inch NANO75, 65-inch NANO75, 55-inch NANO75, 50-inch NANO75, 43-inch NANO75, and 43-inch UR8050.

The smart TVs come equipped with new features and cutting-edge technology. Rangs eMart also introduced the full range of LG NANO televisions, which represent the pinnacle of quality and innovation, reinforcing LG's status as a leader in the electronics industry.

The company is confident that these additions will provide customers with an unparalleled viewing experience.

Furthermore, Rangs eMart launched the world's largest OLED TV, which is LG OLED 97-inch television. The company believes these new offerings will enrich the lives of customers, providing the best in-home entertainment.

"Rangs eMart is thrilled to bring the state-of-the-art LG TVs to the Bangladeshi market, continuing its commitment to providing high-quality, advanced technology products to its customers," said Yamin Sharif Chowdhury, divisional director of Rangs e-Mart.

"I believe these new models of TVs will satisfy customers."

Sung Hoo Chung, managing director of LG Electronics for Singapore, Yongil Ko, managing director for Bangladesh, Farhana Karim, managing director of Rancon Holdings, Imran Zaman, divisional director of Rancon Electronics, and Quazi Ashiq Ur Rahman, executive director of Rancon Electronics, were also present at the launch.​
 
Walton aims for global electronics manufacturing dominance

"Walton focuses on innovation, evident in our adoption of AIoT in smart refrigerators. With features like IoT control through smartphones and AI-based MSO inverter technology, we prioritize energy efficiency and attractive design in our products," says the CBO of Walton Refrigerator
https://www.dhakatribune.com/342882
File image Walton Refrigerator Chief Business Officer Tofail Ahmed. Photo: Collected

Walton Refrigerator Chief Business Officer Tofail Ahmed. Photo: Collected
In an exclusive interview with Dhaka Tribune's Tanveer Mohiuddin, the Chief Business Officer of Walton Refrigerator, Tofail Ahmed highlights the company's plan for global expansion, focusing on its vision to become a leading global electronic brand and its efforts to manufacture products aligned with the standards of developed nations.

Walton has been expanding its brand business into new countries across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Could you provide insights into the company's expansion strategy and how it aligns with Walton's long-term objectives?

Walton envisions becoming a top global electronic brand. We've set a roadmap with short, mid, and long-term planning. Establishing subsidiaries and offices in various countries, especially in the USA and Europe, is part of our strategy. Additionally, we've established a Research and Innovation (R&I) centre in South Korea to tailor our products to the standards and preferences of developed nations.

Could you elaborate on Walton's efforts to manufacture products according to the standards of developed countries like Europe and America? How does this contribute to Walton's global competitiveness?

In response to rapid technological changes and evolving consumer preferences, we've established South Asia's largest R&I centre. Our team of skilled engineers from diverse backgrounds conducts extensive research to develop products that meet the highest standards and preferences of developed nations. This focus has led us to unveil AIoT-based smart refrigerators with advanced features, enhancing our global competitiveness.

Walton has attained a significant market share in Bangladesh's electronics industry, particularly in refrigerators. What key factors have contributed to Walton's success in establishing such a strong presence in the market?

Walton's success in Bangladesh stems from our commitment to providing high-quality products at affordable prices. By manufacturing energy-efficient appliances with advanced features, tailored to the needs of all consumer segments, and offering excellent after-sales services, we've gained the trust of Bangladeshi consumers.

At present, Walton grabbed a lion's market share in the domestic refrigerator market. Currently, the market share of Walton Television is around 32%. Walton AC and home appliances market share is around 30%.

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Walton showroom

Walton offers a diverse range of products. Could you discuss the company's approach to product diversification and how it enhances Walton's overall competitiveness?

Initially focusing on refrigerators, we expanded our product range to meet various consumer needs. By diversifying into air conditioners, televisions, washing machines, and more, we've reduced import dependency and strengthened our market presence, contributing to our overall competitiveness.

The Giantech series represents a leap in technical excellence, offering features like multimedia displays, IoT control, and germ terminator technology. This series exemplifies Walton's commitment to innovation and enhancing customer satisfaction.

As a Bangladeshi brand, what strategies has Walton employed to effectively compete with both domestic and international competitors in the electronics sector?

Walton's strategies include producing energy-efficient appliances with innovative features, using eco-friendly materials, and ensuring durability. By continuously innovating and considering global demand and preferences, we compete effectively both domestically and internationally.

Can you elaborate on how Walton incorporates advanced technologies into its products, particularly in refrigerators?

Walton focuses on innovation, evident in our adoption of AIoT in smart refrigerators. With features like IoT control through smartphones and AI-based MSO inverter technology, we prioritize energy efficiency and attractive design in our products. By using technologies like inverter compressors and energy-efficient structural design, coupled with consumer-centric features, we cater to the specific needs of Bangladeshi consumers.

Walton has invested significantly in manufacturing plants within Bangladesh. What are the advantages of domestic manufacturing, and how does it contribute to Walton's broader goals and objectives?

Domestic manufacturing not only creates jobs and boosts economic development but also enables us to deliver high-quality products at affordable prices. By investing in research and innovation, Walton contributes to transforming Bangladesh into a hub for high-tech consumer electronics manufacturing.

What are your thoughts on government policies supporting the electronics sector in Bangladesh, and how does Walton plan to sustain its growth and innovation?

Government support has been instrumental in our success, allowing us to revolutionize the electronics sector. Moving forward, Walton remains committed to innovation and sustainability, leveraging our R&I Centre and responsive manufacturing to sustain growth and meet evolving consumer needs.

Bilal's note: Walton recently announced that they are establishing an electronics assembly factory in one of the US bordering cities (Maquiladoras) in Mexico to supply US brands with OEM products. The best guess is that they will start with refrigerators.
 

Walton makes more shares available to public

Sponsor directors of Walton Hi-Tech Industries PLC have transferred nearly 29.7 percent of their shares to non-director family members, most of it as gifts, based on a regulatory instruction, according to a BRAC EPL Stock Brokerage report yesterday.

When the Bangladeshi electronics and technology product manufacturer and exporter went for its initial public offering (IPO) in 2020, it had made less than 1 percent of its shares available to the general public.

Afterwards, the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) had instructed the company to offload more shares.

Sponsors and directors of the company started to sell their shares from the end of 2023.

They also gifted shares to their family members who were not directors. Though the shares were tradeable, the family members retained those, for which no volatility was created in the market.

In other words, through such share sales and giftings, the company increased free float, meaning the number of shares available for trade by the public.

At present, sponsor and directors hold 74.07 percent of the company's shares, institutional investors 0.52 percent, foreigners 0.09 percent and public 25.32 percent, according to the Dhaka Stock Exchange.

On the other hand, the offloading will enable the company to avail an income tax reduction of 2.5 percent.

According to regulations of the National Board of Revenue, any company having a free float of at least 10 percent will enjoy an income tax rate of 22.5 percent instead of the usual 25 percent.

Moreover, for fiscal year 2023-24, the company announced a 350 percent cash dividend for general shareholders and a 200 percent cash dividend for directors and sponsors.

Though the offloading will result in the company paying an additional Tk 111 crore in dividends, the money will essentially end up going back to the family.

Shares of the A category company rose 2 percent to Tk 494 at the Dhaka Stock Exchange yesterday.​
 

High-end electronics sales hurt by runaway inflation

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The demand for consumer electronics in the mid to high-end categories has declined drastically in Bangladesh as most people are shifting to cheaper alternatives or avoiding purchases altogether amid persistent inflation.

Besides, product prices have risen sharply as the repeated devaluation of the local currency made it more expensive to import the required components and spare parts, according to market insiders.

Considering their eroding purchasing power, consumers are being particularly frugal for now as economic uncertainty has been gripping the nation ever since the political changeover on August 5.

As such, most of them are shifting to lower priced local brands for consumer electronics.

Product prices have risen sharply as the repeated devaluation of the taka made it more expensive to import the required components and spare parts, insiders said

Although Bangladesh Bank has announced several hikes in interest rates to blunt the brutal inflationary pressure, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) has been hovering around 10 percent since March 2023.

In September this year, the CPI stood at 9.92 percent, down from 10.49 percent the month prior, showed Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics data.

"Television (TV) sales in the lower price segment have increased by 3-4 percent as the consumers are shifting to local brands," said Ritesh Ranjan, head of business at Transcom Digital.

On the other hand, sales of high-end TVs declined by about 30 percent year-on-year in the four months since July as prices have surged by 22 to 28 percent in line with the growing cost of US dollars.

Likewise, overall sales of consumer electronics decreased by 28 percent year-on-year in the July-October period as prices ballooned, he added.

Ranjan informed that the import duty for components and spare parts required to locally assemble TVs, fridges and other products of foreign brands has increased by 15 percent on average solely due to the depreciation of the local currency.

"The impact of this price hike is falling on consumers," he said. "Other than high-end TVs and air conditioners (ACs), the demand for washing machines and microwaves has also fallen for the same reason."

Ranjan further said there are no high-end refrigerators available on the market for less than Tk 1 lakh. Units that previously cost Tk 80,000 are now priced at Tk 120,000.

He also said the market sentiment has been deteriorating over the past two months, with AC sales having fallen by more than 50 percent year-on-year.

Amid this situation, Transcom is offering discounts of up to 20 percent on ACs, 17 percent on refrigerators and 13 percent on TVs.

They can even enjoy an easy repayment facility of up to 36 equal monthly instalments, Ranjan said.

Galib Bin Mohammad, chief marketing officer (CMO) of Walton Hi-Tech Industries, said consumers and producers alike are struggling due to the overall adverse economic situation.

However, he said his company has been able to overcome the subsequent challenges so far through proper planning and management.

"From the beginning, we have focused on ensuring quality across all product categories," he added.

According to Mohammad, Walton offers both mid-range and high-end products at very competitive prices.

"So, as consumers are getting quality products at competitive prices, they are preferring domestic brands to foreign ones," he added.

Md Meshbahuddin, chief marketing officer of Fair Electronics, said sales of consumer electronics usually increase in the second half of each year.

However, this year has been different as the market is quite dull at present, he added.

Fair Electronics locally manufactures and retails products of Samsung Electronics, a leading South Korean multinational home appliance and electronics company.

Meshbahuddin said the industry's sufferings began in early 2023 and are continuing as input prices have risen significantly due to the price hike of US dollars.

Also, consumers are not in a buying mood due to the uncertain political situation and volatility in the banking sector.

"Basically, people do not know what situation may arise in the future. For this reason, they are not interested in purchasing costly products right now."

Md Nurul Afser, deputy managing director of Electro Mart, said their sales revenue declined significantly since July, making it challenging to meet operational costs.

"It is really tough to predict what may happen next in the market," he added.​
 
Samsung's lower end brand HiSense (China) has started manufacturing operations in Bangladesh (only LED TVs and Aircons for now). Local parts indigenization is still low, but will be ramped up as sales volume goes up. Local mfg. partner Fair electronics reported with pride that the return rate of defective products are much lower than imported HiSense products from China or Vietnam, probably due to increased and stringent quality checks.





 

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