10 Million Fridges Worldwide!
Dometic Group’s ten millionth absorption refrigerator produced in the company’s German factory at Siegen came off the line on May 27th and represents an incredible achievement.
Dometic specialist fridges are in use across the globe in all types of environments; be that in a caravan, a motorhome, on a boat, an emergency vehicle or hotel. To celebrate the production of the ten millionth fridge, a highly-prized, limited edition model, decorated with exquisite SWAROVSKI crystals has been produced. There are only five of these in existence and this particular model, the RMD8505 was chosen due to its sleek design and popularity within the caravan and motorhome market. It is factory-fitted to a variety of leisure vehicles, although without the crystals!
Dometic was founded in 1923 when two Swedish students invented the absorption system and the refrigerators went into commercial production. This is the only technology that enables silent cooling and is still at the core of today's Dometic refrigerators. The Swedish Electrolux Group recognised this ground-breaking idea and swiftly secured the patents, as well as the patent from Albert Einstein who had invented an alternative version of the absorption fridge known as the ‘Einstein Refrigerator’. In the 1960’s the absorption fridge enjoyed a renaissance due to the surge in popularity of caravanning and were produced under the Siegas name before Electrolux took over the Siegas company in 1973.
The focus in the following years was on the global expansion of the hotel and leisure vehicle market. This type of specialist refrigeration was quickly established around the world and increasingly differentiated itself from the household market. Electrolux therefore decided to concentrate on the domestic sector whilst Dometic swiftly established itself as its own brand, expanding into automotive, truck, medical and retail industries.
Tim Shaw, Managing Director, Dometic UK said “From our original beginnings way back in 1923, through to our new absorption factory in Seigen Germany, the technical advances have been dramatic. Dometic UK is proud to celebrate this massive milestone of 10 million refrigerators manufactured. This is truly a testament to the trust our customers place in us and the on-going quality of our products''
Today, the Dometic Group employs approximately 6,600 people worldwide, supplies more than 100 special products for mobile leisure and on average, two complete hotels per day are equipped with Dometic minibars worldwide. The limited edition fridge is a symbol of celebration and Dometic Group’s colossal achievement. Here’s to the next ten million!