LG Electronics is accelerating its entry into the global business-to-business (B2B) market by launching large-capacity commercial laundry appliances featuring artificial intelligence (AI) and high-efficiency technology. The company plans to expand its business from primarily serving school dormitories and residential laundromats to include hotels, hospitals, and nursing facilities.
On July 9, LG Electronics announced that it will sequentially launch its large-capacity commercial laundry appliance line, 'LG Professional,' starting in Europe and followed by major markets in Asia and North America.
The LG Professional line includes six models: 30, 25, and 20 kg washing machines, 30 and 25 kg dryers, and a combo washer-dryer that performs both functions in one unit. The product lineup is designed to allow customers to choose based on the size of their operations and laundry volume.
Previously, LG Electronics supplied commercial laundry appliances under 20 kg to school dormitories and residential laundromats, establishing a foothold in markets across Asia, North America, and the Middle East. With the launch of this large-capacity product line, the company aims to target markets with significant laundry demands, such as hotels, hospitals, and nursing facilities.
Europe has been chosen as the initial target region due to its developed tourism industry and a high proportion of elderly residents, which has increased the demand for large-capacity commercial laundry appliances in hotels and medical facilities. According to global market research firm SkyQuest, the global commercial laundry market is expected to grow to approximately $10.8 billion by 2032.
In the commercial market, LG Electronics is emphasizing differentiation through AI and energy efficiency. The LG Professional appliances utilize 'AI CoreTech,' which combines core component technology with AI to analyze the weight of laundry and automatically optimize water usage and drying conditions. The focus is on reducing both washing time and the consumption of water and electricity, considering the operational characteristics of facilities that handle large volumes of laundry.
The washing machines support high-speed spinning at up to 1100 rpm, which reduces residual moisture after washing and shortens drying time. To minimize vibrations and noise during high-speed spinning, the 'Dynamic Ball Core System' has been implemented. A gyro sensor detects imbalances inside the drum and automatically corrects them, reducing wear on components and enhancing equipment durability.
The dryers and combo washer-dryers are equipped with a low-temperature dehumidification 'Dual Inverter Heat Pump.' This system removes moisture by utilizing heat generated during the refrigerant circulation process, which reduces energy consumption and fabric damage compared to traditional heater methods. This feature targets B2B customers, where energy costs and garment care efficiency directly impact profitability.
Ease of installation is also a key factor in LG's strategy for the European market. The heat pump system does not require a separate duct to expel heat, minimizing the need for drilling into walls. This makes it relatively easy to install in older buildings or leased commercial spaces in Europe, where structural changes can be challenging.
LG Electronics is also strengthening its integrated solution business, which connects product sales with installation, operation, and maintenance. Through its commercial laundry management platform 'LaundryCrew,' the company offers remote management, error notifications, and smart diagnostic features. Customers operating multiple laundry machines, such as hotels and hospitals, can monitor the status of individual machines in real-time and manage them collectively.
This approach aligns with LG Electronics' B2B expansion strategy, which combines product, software, and maintenance services based on its manufacturing competitiveness. The goal is to mitigate the limitations of the consumer appliance business, which is sensitive to economic fluctuations and consumer sentiment, while securing a stable revenue base through long-term contracts with large customers.
"We will support our customers in operating their laundry businesses more efficiently through AI and high-efficiency technology, as well as integrated management solutions," said Son Chang-woo, head of LG Electronics' Living Solutions Division. "We are committed to actively expanding our business in the global commercial laundry market."
On July 9, LG Electronics announced that it will sequentially launch its large-capacity commercial laundry appliance line, 'LG Professional,' starting in Europe and followed by major markets in Asia and North America.
The LG Professional line includes six models: 30, 25, and 20 kg washing machines, 30 and 25 kg dryers, and a combo washer-dryer that performs both functions in one unit. The product lineup is designed to allow customers to choose based on the size of their operations and laundry volume.
Previously, LG Electronics supplied commercial laundry appliances under 20 kg to school dormitories and residential laundromats, establishing a foothold in markets across Asia, North America, and the Middle East. With the launch of this large-capacity product line, the company aims to target markets with significant laundry demands, such as hotels, hospitals, and nursing facilities.
Europe has been chosen as the initial target region due to its developed tourism industry and a high proportion of elderly residents, which has increased the demand for large-capacity commercial laundry appliances in hotels and medical facilities. According to global market research firm SkyQuest, the global commercial laundry market is expected to grow to approximately $10.8 billion by 2032.
In the commercial market, LG Electronics is emphasizing differentiation through AI and energy efficiency. The LG Professional appliances utilize 'AI CoreTech,' which combines core component technology with AI to analyze the weight of laundry and automatically optimize water usage and drying conditions. The focus is on reducing both washing time and the consumption of water and electricity, considering the operational characteristics of facilities that handle large volumes of laundry.
The washing machines support high-speed spinning at up to 1100 rpm, which reduces residual moisture after washing and shortens drying time. To minimize vibrations and noise during high-speed spinning, the 'Dynamic Ball Core System' has been implemented. A gyro sensor detects imbalances inside the drum and automatically corrects them, reducing wear on components and enhancing equipment durability.
The dryers and combo washer-dryers are equipped with a low-temperature dehumidification 'Dual Inverter Heat Pump.' This system removes moisture by utilizing heat generated during the refrigerant circulation process, which reduces energy consumption and fabric damage compared to traditional heater methods. This feature targets B2B customers, where energy costs and garment care efficiency directly impact profitability.
Ease of installation is also a key factor in LG's strategy for the European market. The heat pump system does not require a separate duct to expel heat, minimizing the need for drilling into walls. This makes it relatively easy to install in older buildings or leased commercial spaces in Europe, where structural changes can be challenging.
LG Electronics is also strengthening its integrated solution business, which connects product sales with installation, operation, and maintenance. Through its commercial laundry management platform 'LaundryCrew,' the company offers remote management, error notifications, and smart diagnostic features. Customers operating multiple laundry machines, such as hotels and hospitals, can monitor the status of individual machines in real-time and manage them collectively.
This approach aligns with LG Electronics' B2B expansion strategy, which combines product, software, and maintenance services based on its manufacturing competitiveness. The goal is to mitigate the limitations of the consumer appliance business, which is sensitive to economic fluctuations and consumer sentiment, while securing a stable revenue base through long-term contracts with large customers.
"We will support our customers in operating their laundry businesses more efficiently through AI and high-efficiency technology, as well as integrated management solutions," said Son Chang-woo, head of LG Electronics' Living Solutions Division. "We are committed to actively expanding our business in the global commercial laundry market."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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