Sub-Zero Group and Gorenje Group, manufacturer of the ASKO brand of appliances, are announcing a new distribution agreement cemented by the formation of a new company, ASKO Distribution North America, LLC. The company will become the exclusive North American importer and distributor of ASKO residential dishwasher and laundry products.
Effective April 1, 2014, the ASKO brand will be distributed by the Sub-Zero and Wolf distributor/dealer network and supported by its customer care team as well as its factory-certified service, installation and parts distribution organization.
“Both companies were started more than six decades ago by an entrepreneur with a vision for quality, performance and design. So we share a rich heritage and very similar values with ASKO,” said Mr. Bakke, president and CEO of Sub-Zero Group, Inc., and ASKO Distribution North American, LLC. “The ASKO products are built like professional appliances with timeless design, lasting performance and innovative features. So I am pleased that we can offer this respected brand within our high-performing sales channel.”
“We are certain that Sub-Zero Group is the right partner and the premium ASKO brand in North America,” said Franjo Bobinac, Gorenje Group president and CEO. “We are a European manufacturer with tradition spanning more than sixty years. Currently, 92 percent of our revenue is generated in Europe; however, we are looking to expand our global presence, and we believe that long-term cooperation with the Sub-Zero Group will help us accomplish this. Sub-Zero Group is synonymous with prestigious refrigeration and cooking appliances, and a joint venture will be rewarding for both parties.”
“We are very proud of the fact that Sub-Zero Group, Inc., will distribute our premium ASKO brand in North America and are confident our brands are the perfect complement to the Sub-Zero and Wolf brands,” said Jonas Lidberg, managing director of the Swedish ASKO Appliances AB. “ASKO has been present and successful in the North American market since 1987, but with Sub-Zero Group’s best-in-class customer care support and premium distribution and logistics in North America, we can continue our growth even further.”
The North American ASKO lineup will include a few new models but overall a reduced number of SKUs for the dishwasher, washer and dryer categories, while offering Sub-Zero and Wolf matching handles and fronts on selected models. The ASKO dishwasher line will complement Sub-Zero Group’s own dishwasher line in development.
